A Mansfield-based aquatics firm and a community farm in Langwith have created an unlikely partnership that has turned an environmental headache into a positive business solution.

Mansfield Aquatics receives its weekly supply of new fish and plants in Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) boxes, which proved difficult to dispose of.

But that has changed thanks to the company’s new partnership with Rhubarb Farm.

The community-based farm grows vegetables, which are sold to local families, restaurants and farmers’ shops, and also provides training opportunities for people facing social and personal challenges.

It is now using the boxes to deliver its soft vegetables, like tomatoes, lettuce and broccoli, to customers.

Managing director of Mansfield Aquatics, Dave Ferry, said: “In the past we had to pay for the boxes to be disposed of. I love the fact that our partnership has found a green solution to our waste problem and my business headache.”

Sharon Storey, horticulturalist at Rhubarb Farm, said: “We use organic methods of growing produce at the farm and are environmentally conscious, so to be able to reuse waste materials like this is a winner for us.”

Mansfield District Council accepts trade waste EPS at its Hermitage Lane Recycling Depot. Businesses are charged a trade rate of £140 a tonne with a minimum payment of £10 for waste handled by the depot.

Pictured are Josh Wagstaff and Dave Ferry, of Mansfield Aquatics; Sharon Storey, of Rhubarb Farm; and volunteer Marcus Ellis.