American Peat Technology

Since 2003, American Peat Technology has been producing value-added products manufactured from the peat natural resource. Although the use of peat in general is under scrutiny, the benefits of using peat in defined, high-value ways is indisputable. American Peat Technology's sustainability documents for bioAPT and APTsorb are a reasoned, in-depth voice in the discussion revolving around the best use of peat. In addition to stewarding the peat resource it depends on, American Peat Technology continually seeks ways to make its manufacturing process more environmentally sensitive and sustainable. The use of fossil fuels in the peat drying process is not only a concern environmentally, it subjects the company to varying and unpredictable costs and supply. By 2017, APT expects to accomplish 100 percent of its drying operation through the use of carbon-neutral, locally-available and cost-effective biomass. Additionally, through creative engineering and fabrication, APT seeks to repurpose equipment as it expands and optimizes the production process. All of these efforts result in less pollution, less waste and less impact on the environment. The long-term health and productivity of APT is directly tied to its peat resources. At current rates of use, the company has a 75-year supply of peat in its existing permitted harvest area. The company hopes to grow and exceed its current use rate, however, which obviously reduces the expected lifetime of the current harvest area. The long-term plan of APT is to develop additional peat deposits and new manufacturing locations to meet future demand. Because opening new peatlands for development is a time-consuming, arduous process through numerous permitting agencies and subject to the social license of the local community, the process of expansion has already begun. American Peat Technology does not take lightly the perceived hazards of peat harvesting. Just as in the current location of Aitkin, local communities are proud and protective of the natural resources that characterize their landscapes. But APT can point to the experiences and track record gained in Aitkin as a hedge against uncertainty. Peat harvest necessarily disturbs the natural landscape, but in the process, APT invests in its host community through the generation of well-paying jobs, a commitment to buying locally as much as possible and a generous charitable giving program. Once peat harvest is complete on a deposit, communities can expect APT to comply with and exceed the conditions of its permit by returning the harvest area to a vibrant, diverse and native landscape that will ultimately become a net producer of peat in the future. Peat is a valuable resource, and APT will continue to be a staunch supporter of sustaining and enhancing it into the future. The environmental, social and economic benefits of peat development are too important for us to do anything less.