Posted by Callum VP, on November 9, 2020.
Thermolen® is an advanced material that is used in a number of Garantia’s composters. However, not everyone is aware of what it is and the benefits it can offer. We explain more below to help you understand more about Thermolen® and how it can help you in the garden.
What is Thermolen?
Thermolen® is an innovative material that has been developed for use in composters. The material’s properties provide high levels of insulation within the walls of the composter, retaining heat more effectively. In turn, this will hasten the composting process, shortening wait times and enabling you to use compost much sooner. Thermolen® is manufactured from 100% recycled polypropylene (PP) and can also be fully recycled if required.
What are the benefits of Thermolen® insulation?
The typical wait time for household waste to decompose into compost can be anywhere between 6-24 months, which depends on a number of factors. Using a composter that features Thermolen® technology will hasten the process and make it more likely compost is produced in a shorter space of time.
Thermolen® can be found in the following Garantia composters:
| Composter | Capacity (litres) | Max weight |
| Thermo-Star | 400, 600, 1,000 | 20kg |
| Thermo-King | 400, 600, 900 | 20kg |
| Thermo-Wood | 600 | 19.7kg |
All three composters are made from 100% recycled polypropylene, are easy-to-install using a click and connect system, and offer clear deposit and collection openings for the dumping and retrieval of waste and compost.
When placed in a suitable location in the garden, which should either be in the sun or semi-shaded area, the waste will decompose in a shorter space of time. Exposing your composter to warmer spaces will help to dry out the waste – although be sure not to let it dry out completely as moisture is need to help turn the materials into compost.
Thermolen® is fully weather resistant, meaning it can stand up to the testing and unpredictable nature of the British weather. The material is also UV-resistant, so even during the peak of summer it offers the high levels of protection your decomposing waste needs
When is the best time to compost?
While warmer parts of the year are generally better due to the higher temperatures, there is nothing to stop you composting during the winter.
To get the best results, be sure to add dry leaves and shredded garden waste you have gathered together through the autumn months. With the composter placed directly on the ground (not on concrete or similar) microorganisms will be able to access the decomposing waste, so even while the process will be slower during the winter, the materials will continue to be broken down naturally.
How do you get the best results?
There should be a good balance between both green and brown types of waste, turning the pile regularly to let the waste receive oxygen to encourage decomposition. Mix wet and dry materials together and do the same with fine and coarse materials.
Keep the materials damp but never oversaturated with water throughout the entire process and you stand every chance of producing good quality compost perfect for your garden.
