Bocholt, April 3rd, 2020: The Bocholt-based textile company Dibella pursues a comprehensive sustainable approach. In addition to numerous projects that the company is carrying out in the countries of origin to improve social standards and environmental conditions, there is now a very special commitment to more biodiversity in the local environment. In cooperation with the city administration of Bocholt and a local farmer, Dibella is planting a flower meadow of a special kind.
The majority of Dibella textiles are made from cotton grown in India or Pakistan. In addition to constantly increasing the share of organic Fairtrade certified cotton, the company strives to keep its ecological footprint as small as possible. "We have already planted a small forest in India where both we and our customers can offset their CO2 emissions by planting trees," says a delighted Ralf Hellmann, one of the two managing directors and a native of Bocholt.
"But
why only
in India,"
asked Stefan Tenbusch, the second managing director, also born in Bocholt, and without further ado leased 3,000 m² of arable land from a farmer friend.
Starting next week, the first seeds for a species-rich flower meadow will be planted here. The spontaneous idea quickly turned into a project of its own, which will continue to grow in a double sense. Purchasing Manager Simon Bartholomes took over the coordination of the project and is pleased about the great commitment of all those involved. The city of Bocholt/ESB supports the project with the procurement and delivery of the seeds and a generous grant of 50% of the seed costs. The farmer takes over the processing of the field and the sowing and is paid a reasonable lease - a well-rounded matter.
As the plot of land on Winterswijker Strasse is located directly on a popular cycle path, a small break station is also planned. True to the saying: "Just do it - oughta be a good thing! Dibella is looking for other companies or private individuals to help the project grow. "Around Bocholt there are still many free areas for further flower meadows which can be used. But other ideas are also welcome," says Bartholomes. "It is also important for us to work closely with local farmers, who are currently under heavy criticism. And not always rightly so," says Tenbusch. "We must learn to argue and discuss sensibly again. Society, the economy, politics and agriculture - we are all in the same boat and need each other, we are feeling this more than we have in a long time! We will be happy to support and take over the coordination in order to make our beautiful city a little bit greener, more colourful and more lively.
Interested people,
companies and farmers
who want to make land available are welcome to contact us.