It is ultimately a very simple process that makes it possible to recover the kelp (or zoostery) that washes up at each tide on the beaches of Arcachon. Before the creation of the SVABA, these algae were simply picked up by the services of the town hall and then sent to the recycling center. Last year more than 350 tons were transformed into fertilizer by the La Teste company.
It is a mechanical process: first sand, wood, shells and possibly plastic residues are removed. Then the seaweed is washed and then pressed to obtain this fertilizer, in powder or liquid form. It’s a multi-purpose fertilizer and just as effective as any other product sold in garden centres.
1 ton of raw material will produce approximately 50 kilos of “Zostigreen” fertilizer
These are mainly individuals who come to buy their fertilizer directly from the SVABA factory, every Wednesday afternoon. Their products can also be found in some garden centers in the Bassin d’Arcachon. SVABA also has a few large customers, notably Bordeaux winegrowers but also a banana producer in Martinique. This is an organic fertilizer, 100% natural and without chemicals.