Upsoil Company finds circularity in soil recycling

Upsoil Company Inc. is contributing to the circular economy for gardening with “upsoil” and “Circular Soil,” two products designed to make soil recycling easy, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices.

The inspiration for these products came from a personal challenge many gardeners face: the disposal of used planter soil. In most municipalities, garden soil cannot be discarded as regular waste, leaving gardeners with limited options. Soil comes from a natural process involving plants, animals, microorganisms, and geological activity, so there is need for sustainable management. Generating just one centimetre of topsoil takes over 100 years, making it valuable and scarce.

Recognising the unsustainability of soil extraction, Upsoil Company Inc. developed “upsoil” and “Circular Soil” to enable easy and effective soil recycling for everyone.

“Circular Soil” is designed with circularity in mind. The product is created through a meticulous process that begins with steam disinfection of collected soil using Beppu’s renowned hot spring energy. This sterilised soil is then enriched with bark fertiliser (produced by fermenting pulverised plant bark) and upsoil, a proprietary regenerative material. The result is a nutrient-rich, microbe-dense soil that is both eco-friendly and highly effective for plant growth.

“Upsoil” is a set for those who want to recycle soil at home. By mixing one part “upsoil” with ten parts used soil, gardeners can rejuvenate their old soil, making it suitable for flowers, houseplants, vegetables, and home gardening projects. The product enhances soil drainage, texture, and nutrient retention, while its slow-release fertiliser components provide sustained nourishment for plants over 4-5 months.

Upsoil Company Inc. secured trademark registrations for “upsoil” and “Circular Soil” last year, and is seeking collaborators to expand the reach of their “Beppu Onsen Soil” initiative by partnering with businesses as soil collection points, sales agents, or contributors to a circular society where resources are reused and renewed.