Scottish biotech pioneer set to break ground on ‘peat-free’ production plant

A West Lothian biotech specialist is preparing to open its first production facility as demand grows for its peat-free products.

With pressure growing on the horticulture and forestry sectors to move away from peat, Livingston-based SilviBio's technology has been designed to work within existing growing systems, removing a major barrier to adoption for commercial growers. The firm’s peat and coir-free growing products are made entirely from UK-sourced materials including sheep’s wool.

The technology’s development has been supported by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) through its role as the cluster management organisation for the Scottish Bio-based Manufacturing Launchpad, led by Innovate UK.

SilviBio develops sustainable propagation mixes for the horticulture and forestry sectors, using a patent-pending process to turn underutilised British wool and other UK-sourced materials into a growing substrate.

SilviBio is now preparing to open its first production facility in Scotland ahead of the next growing season in early 2027, moving from pilot-scale production to commercially viable volumes. The firm is hoping that the move can support wider adoption across horticulture and forestry, while creating skilled jobs and contributing to Scotland's growing bioeconomy.

Alicja Dzieciol, founder and chief executive of SilviBio, said: “After years of research and collaboration with growers, we are building our first factory here in Scotland to commercialise our 100 per cent UK sourced peat-free solution. This represents the next step in our vision for a more resilient and circular food, forestry and horticulture sector.”

Chief operating officer Philip Shelton said: “Growers have been using peat for longer than most of us have been alive, so asking them to switch isn’t a small change when entire production systems have been built around it for decades. We’ve always started by listening to growers, rather than developing a solution and hoping it fits.

“Sustainability on its own isn’t enough - growers need products that help them grow plants reliably and profitably too. At SilviBio, we’re showing that peat-free alternatives can deliver in the real world.”

Kirsty Neilson, programme manager, UKRI Launchpad cluster management organisation at IBioIC, added: “SilviBio demonstrates exactly the kind of innovation we’re working to support through the Launchpad programme. The company has built something that directly addresses the challenges growers face as the industry moves away from peat, while creating new opportunities for farmers and strengthening supply chains here in the UK.”