Phocealys: A Committed Supplier for Eco-Friendly Botanical Décor

Environmental challenges can no longer be ignored. Every action matters — including in the world of botanical decoration. At Phocealys, we strive to combine plant aesthetics with ecological awareness. Our preserved plants and dried flowers are far more than decorative elements: they are symbols of an ever-evolving CSR approach within Phocealys. 

Sustainable plants… for a lasting impact 

Why choose preserved plants or dried flowers? Because they represent an ecological choice — offering a sustainable alternative to fresh and short-lived plants. Unlike fresh plants, our preserved and dried varieties can be used for around five years on average (this figure is an average between the most fragile and the most robust species). This longevity results in significant environmental benefits: 

·        Less horticultural production = fewer greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural machinery, sowing, treatment, and harvesting. 

·        No need for water, fertilizers, or pesticides for maintenance. 

·        Moins de déchets verts à gérer, donc une réduction des flux de  traitements en déchetterie. 

·        Moins de transport du lieu de production des végétaux jusqu’au client final

Choosing a sustainable plant means reducing your carbon footprint and conserving natural resources.

Transport : Prioritizing proximity and responsible alternatives 

Transport represents a significant share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the horticultural industry. That’s why Phocealys has made clear choices to reduce this impact, such as:

·       Prioritizing short supply chains: over 60% of our plants come from France, Spain, and Northern Italy, close to our warehouse in Southern France.

·       Using only sea freight: we refuse air freight. Only maritime shipping is used for longer-distance sourcing. 

·      Building lasting relationships with partner producers: For example, we work closely with the only French producer of preserved moss. This partnership was initiated 10 years ago when Phocealys was founded and the producer was established. Today, they provide moss of exceptional quality — reinforcing our short supply chain strategy. 

A controlled supply chain that respects biodiversity

Our product range relies on two main sourcing methods: 

> Sustainable harvesting or regulated wild collection 

Some species (mosses, ferns, ivy, beech, oak, olive…) are not cultivated but harvested from the wild with authorization from public authorities (such as the French National Forestry Office). This method helps preserve biodiversity and avoids negative impacts of farming (pesticides, GHGs…). These plants account for over 40% of our sales.

> Open-field cultivation

Other plants are grown in open fields, without heated greenhouses, often by producers who are also farmers. They manage the entire process — from cultivation to preservation or coloring. 

Committed partners for a circular model 

We do not choose our suppliers at random. We prioritize those who are environmentally conscious and share our vision of a sustainable industry, taking concrete actions to reduce their environmental impact, such as:  

·        Installing photovoltaic panels on warehouses to meet energy needs; 

·        Heating drying facilities and coloring tanks with renewable energy;  

·     Waste recovery: one Spanish producer uses olive pits (a by-product of widespread olive cultivation in the region) as a fuel source for heating their facility — a virtuous circular economy example.

Responsible logistics at every step

Our commitment extends to the implementation of responsible logistics:

·        Packaging made from 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard;

·        Plastic use kept to an absolute minimum; 

·        Recycled kraft or crumpled paper used to cushion plant materials;

·        LED lighting throughout our logistics hub and offices; 

·        Partnership with Chronopost, whose electric fleet operates in over 200 European cities.   

A committed and measurable CSR approach

Environmental action must be transparent and continuously improving to be credible. That’s why we have taken the following steps:

·        Carbon footprint assessment underway with a specialized consultancy, to better understand and address our emissions;

·        Launch in 2024 of a certified CSR approach via EcoVadis, with closely monitored improvement objectives;

·        Ongoing monitoring of internal practices to continually optimize our social and environmental impact. 

Phocealys: more than a wholesaler

As a wholesaler of preserved plants and dried flowers, we bear a responsibility: to offer our clients beautiful, long-lasting products that also respect the planet. Environmental commitment is a core pillar of our identity. It drives our decisions, partnerships, and the way we envision the future of botanical decoration.

Sustainable decorating is possible. We’re here to help you make it happen.