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Across New Zealand, the landscape industry is undergoing a quiet but significant shift. Councils, landscape architects, civil engineers and horticultural growers are increasingly specifying natural fibre geotextiles instead of traditional synthetic weed matting and erosion control products.
Driven by sustainability goals, government directives supporting wool use, and the need to reduce microplastics in the environment, natural fibre solutions are becoming a practical and responsible choice for projects ranging from infrastructure corridors to native restoration.
Advance Landscape Systems has been at the forefront of this transition, supplying biodegradable weed suppression and erosion control solutions designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. These include the FuturFiber® Hemp and Dag Wool range, along with EcoWool™, EcoCoir™ and EcoJute™ geotextiles, all developed to provide durable performance while supporting long-term ecological outcomes.
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New Zealand’s agricultural sector produces significant volumes of wool, including lower-grade wool that historically has had limited commercial uses. Recognising the opportunity to support farmers while reducing reliance on synthetic materials, government agencies are increasingly encouraging the use of wool-based products in infrastructure and environmental projects.
Natural fibre geotextiles made from wool, hemp and other plant fibres align closely with this direction. These materials offer a practical way to incorporate locally sourced natural fibres into landscape and civil projects while improving environmental outcomes.
For councils, infrastructure agencies and landscape architects, specifying natural fibre products can support broader sustainability targets, responsible resource management and the use of renewable materials.
At Advance Landscape Systems, our FuturFiber® made by Rubisco® natural fibre geotextile range uses New Zealand hemp and wool fibres sourced through sustainable supply chains, supporting both environmental restoration and local industries.
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One of the key drivers behind the adoption of natural fibre geotextiles is their carbon profile, particularly when compared to synthetic polypropylene weed matting.
Hemp is one of the fastest growing natural fibres and has remarkable carbon sequestration properties. During its growth cycle, hemp absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As a result, hemp-based materials can achieve a negative carbon footprint, meaning they store more carbon than is emitted during production.
The FuturFiber® Hemp and Dag Wool geotextile range supplied by Advance Landscape Systems is manufactured from South Island grown hemp blended with strong wool fibres. The result is a needle-punched nonwoven textile that delivers strength, permeability and soil stability while helping to lock carbon into the material lifecycle.
In practical terms, this means projects using hemp-based geotextiles can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while still achieving the durability and performance required for large-scale infrastructure or restoration works.
Traditional weed matting and erosion control products are typically manufactured from plastic-based materials such as polypropylene.
While these synthetic fabrics can provide short-term weed suppression, they introduce several long-term environmental challenges:
Natural fibre geotextiles offer a fundamentally different lifecycle.
Products made from hemp, wool, jute or coir are designed to gradually biodegrade over time, returning organic matter and nutrients to the soil. Rather than needing to be removed, the material integrates into the soil ecosystem as plants establish.
This process provides several additional benefits:
For revegetation projects, where plant establishment is critical, this lifecycle aligns much more closely with ecological restoration goals.
Advance Landscape Systems’ natural fibre products are specifically engineered to provide the right balance between durability and biodegradation. Options such as 1000gsm matting are available where additional strength and longevity are required for challenging environments.
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Natural fibre geotextiles are now being specified across a wide range of industries and project types throughout New Zealand.
Civil engineers frequently specify heavy-duty weed suppression and erosion control materials for roadside planting, slopes, drainage channels and embankments.
Natural fibre matting provides effective soil stabilisation while supporting vegetation growth that ultimately strengthens the landscape.
Local councils and government departments such as the Department of Conservation often require solutions that support ecological restoration and biodiversity outcomes.
Biodegradable geotextiles allow native plants to establish while preventing weed competition during the early growth phase. Over time, the matting breaks down naturally without leaving synthetic residues.
Landscape architects increasingly seek materials that combine functionality with sustainability.
Natural fibre matting blends visually into landscapes while providing reliable weed suppression in parks, streetscapes, public spaces and large planting schemes.
Orchards, vineyards and nurseries use weed suppression matting to control vegetation around young plants and improve moisture retention.
Natural fibre geotextiles offer growers a solution that reduces chemical herbicide use while maintaining healthy soil systems.
Interest in biodegradable landscaping solutions is also growing among private landowners who want environmentally responsible alternatives for erosion control and planting projects.
At Advance Landscape Systems, we work closely with landscape architects, engineers and contractors to help specify the most suitable products for each project.
Our team provides technical support across the entire process, including:
Our Knowledge Hub also provides access to technical documents, product brochures and installation resources to support designers and specifiers.
With New Zealand’s diverse climate and terrain, selecting the right geotextile solution can make a significant difference to the long-term success of a project. Our consultants work alongside clients to ensure materials are matched to performance requirements and environmental goals.
Learn more on FuturFiber Hemp and Dag Wool
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The shift toward natural fibre geotextiles reflects a broader change in how landscapes are designed and managed across New Zealand.
Projects are increasingly expected to deliver not only functional outcomes, but also environmental benefits such as carbon reduction, biodiversity support and improved soil health.
Natural fibre solutions such as FuturFiber® Hemp and Dag Wool, EcoWool™, EcoCoir™ and EcoJute™ allow designers and contractors to meet these expectations while still achieving durable and cost-effective results.
By working with materials derived from nature and designed to return to nature, the landscaping industry can play a meaningful role in restoring ecosystems and supporting long-term sustainability.
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Advance Landscape Systems supplies a comprehensive range of natural fibre weed suppression and erosion control products for projects across New Zealand.
Contact our team to request samples, technical documentation or specification advice for your next project.
Our trade account customers enjoy regular purchasing options with prompt service and competitive trade pricing. They also gain access to our exclusive, customised products tailored to their needs. Conditions apply to qualify for a trade account — contact our team today to learn more!
For large projects or landscaping jobs, you can easily submit a bulk pricing request. Our team will review your needs and get in touch with a tailored quote. We’re here to help you get the best value for your project.