BalticReed: Commercial value chains taking shape
Raws invited the BalticReed project group for a demonstration of their new harvesting machine.
This autumn, the BalticReed project is making waves across the Baltic Sea region. Harvesting is underway in Harg–Östhammar with SLU, WWF, and RAWS. Seven hectares of reed soon to become part of Evergreen’s new sustainable product. The project team also met in Norrköping for three days of learning and exchange, exploring how reed harvesting boosts biodiversity and local circular economies. Meanwhile, Evergreen announced the new product Weibulls “Täckvass”–nominated for Garden Product of the Year 2026! Finally, save the date for the BalticReed Fair 2026 in Helsinki on January 29 – the world’s largest Reed Fair!
Harvest in Harg–Östhammar
Reed harvesting is now underway in Harg–Östhammar, in collaboration with SLU and WWF. Our partner RAWS is cutting seven hectares across three sites, collecting reed that will later be used as cover material in Evergreen’s new sustainable gardening product. Each hectare harvested contributes to cleaner waters and restored coastal biodiversity — turning local reed into both ecological and economic value.
Project Partner Meeting in Norrköping
The BalticReed team gathered in Norrköping for three inspiring days hosted by Länsstyrelsen Östergötland. The meeting began with a seminar for municipalities and county boards, focusing on how reed harvesting can be used as a powerful restoration tool to improve water quality, enhance birdlife, and strengthen fish stocks. One standout concept discussed was the creation of “blue zones” — areas where harvested reed opens up new habitats while the remaining reed forms a natural protection belt for fish against seals. These areas are already attracting returning waders and spawning fish.
The team also explored reed’s circular potential through study visits. At RAWS, we joined the launch of their new reed harvester, designed for large-scale, efficient cutting and transformation of reed into innovative products. At Mannes Trädgård, a local gardening company, we saw firsthand how reed can be used as a cover material and soil enhancer — closing the loop from harvest to reuse.
Reed Innovation in the Market
Our friends at Evergreen Garden Care announced the launch of Weibulls “Täckvass” — their first product made out of reed from the Baltic Sea, presented at Elmia Garden 2025. Even better: it’s nominated for Garden Product of the Year 2026! “Täckvass” will be available in retail during Spring 2026.
Save the Date: Reed to Revenue – BalticReed Fair 2026
Join us in Helsinki on January 29, 2026, for what promises to be the world’s largest Reed Fair! As the BalticReed project’s final conference, it will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and researchers to explore how reed can restore ecosystems and drive the blue-green economy.
More details: https:/centralbaltic.eu/project-events/reed-to-revenue-balticreed-fair/