Listen to this article

A self-watering, in-store display developed by Belvidere-based hydroponic farming company Edible Garden was awarded a second patent. 

Issued Jan. 9 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the patent covers methods and systems designed for the company’s proprietary retail display, which aims to increase plant shelf life as well as provide an enhanced in-store experience.

Edible Garden Chief Executive Officer Jim Kras believes the new patent underscores the company’s commitment to innovation.

“This self-watering display technology has been transformative in increasing plant shelf life, ensuring maximum freshness, and significantly reducing spoilage at retail locations,” he said in a statement. “Consistent with our Zero-Waste Inspired mission, our self-watering displays enable retailers to present plants in their prime, reducing waste and offering superior products to consumers.”

“Following a successful initial rollout at Meijer, the display’s effective implementation has led us to expand our deployment across our distribution network,” Kras said.

Forward thinking

The state-of-the-art system received its first distinct patent in August 2023.

Edible Garden also secured three patents between October 2021 and November 2023 for methods and processes related to its proprietary greenhouse management and demand planning software, GreenThumb.

Founded in 2015, Edible Garden’s locally grown, sustainable lettuce, organic herbs, hydro basil, salad kits, sauces and protein powders can be found at more than 5,000 stores, including Target, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Aldi, Foodtown, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s, H Mart, Walmart and Meijer.

The company is also considered a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and the sustainable technology movement for its safety-in-farming protocols and use of sustainable packaging.

Project Gigaton

Last month, Edible Garden provided an update on eco-friendly initiatives, including its participation in Walmart’s Project Gigaton. The initiative is aimed at engaging suppliers, NGOs and other stakeholders in reducing or avoiding 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in the global value chain by 2030.

For 2023, Edible Garden reported a Project Gigaton impact of 34 metric tons of materials recycled, 850 barrels of oil conserved, 77 tons of food waste avoided through donation, 10,200 gallons of gasoline saved and 67 metric tons of virgin corrugate materials avoided.

Kras said it was a privilege for Edible Garden to continue its involvement with such an “admirable initiative.”

“I am pleased to report that the company’s momentum carried forward from 2022 into 2023, with results displaying marked improvements,” he said. “For example, the Company has achieved an 800% improvement in reducing passenger car emissions, largely attributed to Edible Garden’s strategic approaches in co-loading orders and backhauling supplies.”

“In total, Edible Garden’s contribution to Project Gigaton resulted in the avoidance of 115,600 metric tons of CO2 emissions in 2023. Our Zero-Waste Inspired mission is intended to benefit both our retail partners and their customers, focusing on waste reduction and enhancing supply chain productivity, utilizing solutions such as our patented, proprietary GreenThumb technology. Our participation in Walmart’s Project Gigaton resonates with our sustainability aspirations and is particularly gratifying,” Kras stated.