HORTICERT is an international certification system for sustainable peat substitutes and growing media. The certification involves the verification of ecological, social and economic sustainability requirements, the calculation of the carbon footprint and the traceability of the supply chain. The aim is to promote the reduction of peat in horticulture through the use of sustainable peat substitutes. HORTICERT has been on the market since 2024. Well-known producers of growing media and peat substitutes, including compost and wood, bark, and coconut-based products, are already certified. The system is currently active in five countries and continues to grow internationally.

HORTICERT certification supports companies in achieving their sustainability goals and enables transparent, credible sustainability claims that end consumers can use to make informed purchasing decisions. There is also a licensing system that allows brand owners and retailers to promote HORTICERT-certified end products. HORTICERT was developed by Meo Carbon Solutions GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH).