Vital Chemical is pleased to announce the launch of a trial of an innovative new compostable netting product that it hopes will revolutionise the revegetation process around major infrastructure and construction sites.
The trial of Vital Eco-Nett, on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (M12RT), between Black Hill and Tomago, involves installing the netting in an open drain to support soil stabilisation and vegetation establishment.
The product is a sustainable alternative to traditional jute mesh and synthetic geotextiles, providing a new benchmark for erosion and sediment control in large-scale infrastructure developments.
The Vital Eco-Nett trial will be closely monitored over the coming years to assess performance, longevity and environmental integration. If successful, the innovation could transform how major infrastructure projects manage erosion, sediment and landscape rehabilitation, both in Australia and worldwide.
Developed in Australia by Vital Chemical in collaboration with industry partners, Vital Eco-Nett is made from certified compostable resin, binders and natural softening agents.
Both the mesh and its anchor pins are fully compostable, breaking down naturally in the presence of soil microbes, moisture and fungi. The decomposition period varies depending on environmental conditions, but the product is engineered to support revegetation throughout its life cycle.
“This trial demonstrates how science and sustainability can come together to deliver better environmental outcomes,” said Letiscia Xavier, Director and Chief Scientist at Vital Chemical.
“Vital Eco-Nett is more than a product, it’s a step toward a future where erosion control no longer depends on imported or synthetic materials that persist in the environment.”
The netting can also be customised to include soil conditioners and slow-release fertilisers that boost plant growth as the material breaks down, offering a multifunctional approach to revegetation and land rehabilitation.
Founded in 1977, Vital Chemical has grown into one of Australia’s most respected providers of environmental management products and services.
With over four decades of experience in soil science, revegetation and erosion control, the company has worked across sectors including mining, construction, infrastructure and agriculture. Its solutions have been deployed on some of the nation’s most challenging landscapes, from remote mine sites to major highway upgrades.
Vital Eco-Nett is part of a new generation of sustainable products being developed by the company to meet growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions in the construction and mining sectors.
Other products in the suite include advanced hydroseeding technologies, soil stabilisation compounds and biodegradable erosion control mats – all designed to restore and protect the landscape while minimising environmental harm.
“This is just the beginning,” said Ms Xavier. “Our goal is to lead the transition to smarter, more sustainable environmental management, one innovation at a time.”
