Pro-Grow, the organic peat-free soil conditioner produced in Hampshire by Onyx Environmental Group, has been recognised at the prestigious National Recycling Awards in the Best Recycled Product category.

Pro-Grow was shortlisted for the award which is organised by Materials Recycling Week. The National Recycling Awards were established four years ago to recognise the innovations and improvements in recycling on a national scale.

Onyx has been composting green waste as part of its integrated waste management system for Hampshire County Council since 1996. The end result, Pro-Grow, is produced from grass cuttings, hedge clippings and other green garden waste generated by households across the county.

"While others are composting, Onyx has taken it a step further," said one judge. "Quality and availability has made it one of the most successful composting products around."

To date Onyx has composted over 200,000 tonnes of green waste and is currently selling 25,000 tonnes of Pro-Grow each year through garden centres, its Household Waste Recycling Centres and a nationwide doorstep delivery service.

Such has been the success of the compost that it has even made an impact in a number of high-profile projects including the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum where it has helped to establish a 2.5-acre winter garden.

"We are truly delighted to have been recognised in this way," says Peter Mills, composting manager for Onyx. "Green waste composting plays a key part in our integrated waste strategy for Hampshire. The development and ongoing success of Pro-Grow is a clear demonstration that recycling can be both an environmental and economic success."