Each year some 28 million tonnes of peat are extracted worldwide. In the UK demand is approximately 3.4 million cubic metres per year for use by amateur gardeners and the horticultural industry. Of this amount approximately 87% is used as growing media and 13% as soil improver.

Conservationists estimate that approximately 94% of lowland peat bogs in the UK have been damaged or destroyed through peat extraction. This damage and destruction is threatening a valuable and fragile ecosystem and is associated animals and plant life. Destroying the peat bogs also releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, which can contribute to global warming. This means that a workable alternative to peat is needed. Apex green compost is helping to provide that alternative within the UK market.

Together the APEX companies manufacture and supply nearly 250,000 cubic metres of green compost into the growing media and soil improver market each year. Whilst this still leaves a long way to go to fully replace peat products many now use Apex green compost to help reduce the amount of peat required. Some products such as J Arthur Bowers organic soil improver use only Apex green compost and no peat. The volume of green compost supplied to the UK market by APEX is that largest contributor to reducing peat. Each year the volume able to be supplied by APEX increases as new contracts are awarded and new composting facilities constructed.