Eco-sustainability

Plastic is a synthetic material that is really poor at transpiration, which can be harmful to the plant. Not being able to respect the air circulation needs of the roots and soil, this polymer retains a lot of moisture, causing waterlogging that can lead to root rot.

Plastic materials attract and store heat when left in the sun, causing the vegetation they contain to wilt prematurely. Moreover, these polymers are unable to provide protection from temperature fluctuations: in winter they cause freezing, while in summer try putting your hand on a plastic pot and feel how hot it is. Well, the roots in the soil inside will also be boiling! Unlike terracotta, which has a great virtue: it can maintain uniform temperature inside the entire pot, preserving the ideal climate for the plant. Thanks to this intrinsic capacity, it is possible to guarantee a constant atmosphere for our plants, cooler in summer (by evaporating excess heat through the terracotta walls) and milder in winter (thanks to greater insulation from the cold).

Plastic pots are notoriously thin and fragile, characterized by a strong propensity for deformations of various degrees, chipping and cracks. Their slender structure offers little stability and firmness, making them susceptible to frequent tipping and falling. Terracotta is extremely solid, thanks to the considerable thickness with which the pots are manufactured (generally several centimeters) and the chemical structure that composes it, which is further strengthened through firing in the kiln, making the artifacts resistant to aggressive atmospheric agents, strong temperature fluctuations and excessive solar heat.

If it is true that plastic containers are more widespread and cheaper than practically any other material, it is equally certain that their low price reflects the reduced value of the raw material. On the contrary, terracotta, particularly Impruneta terracotta known and appreciated worldwide, is considered among the highest quality and prestige materials thanks to its particular chemical composition and the rigorous attention dedicated to every phase of its processing, making each piece unique.

In general, plastic pots are quite light and for this reason they are simple to move and place on very high shelves. Fired clay has a greater weight than plastic.

Plastic is very practical and fast to sanitize, dust and clean, it does not require specific products or special treatments. To keep terracotta pots clean and in perfect condition, exactly like any other object, we must carry out simple and quick cleaning interventions that require a few minutes. It is possible to use a hard brush and water to remove any deposits of dry soil or salt, then finish the cleaning with a solution of water and Marseille soap or a common neutral detergent.

Plastic is not biodegradable (it does not decompose) and even its production is highly polluting! The damage caused by pollution from this polymer inevitably spills over to plants and animals. For a sustainable planet, we need more green choices: for this reason our advice is to purchase consciously, starting with your pots, preferring natural and ecological materials like terracotta.

Over time, plastic is subject to fading and yellowing in the sun, for this reason it can take on an old and neglected appearance. Terracotta is a timeless material that never loses its beauty, on the contrary, over the years its reddish color assumes increasingly fascinating and refined shades that increase its value and uniqueness.

Finally, we would like to highlight the difference between high-quality terracotta pots and cheap ones. Choosing cheap terracotta pots means exposing yourself to the risk of incurring chipping and cracks, especially due to sudden temperature reductions. By opting for premium terracotta, like that from Impruneta, you get the guarantee of your pot for decades! This precious Tuscan clay is characterized by the maximum anti-freeze power, making it capable of resisting extremely cold temperatures, over -30°C.