SUSTAINABLITY
At Herder, we aim to make maintenance work on verges, ditches and waterways not only efficient and safe, but also as sustainable as possible. Our products are designed for long life cycles, low maintenance requirements and minimal environmental impact. With every innovation, we look at ways to make vegetation management smarter, cleaner and more responsible.
Sustainability is not an add-on for us — it is built into our engineering philosophy. From energy-efficient machine design to biodiversity-friendly mowing methods, Herder provide solutions for organizations that want to work in a future-proof and environmentally conscious way.
Ecological verges and ditches management
Herder offers a range of sustainable solutions for ecological mowing, endorsed by water autorities, professional organizations and , since 2025 , officially recognized with the Groenkeur certification for ecological verge management.
Our ecological mowing systems are designed to protect biodiversity, reduce disturbance and support natural regeneration in verges, ditches and watercourses.
Ecochopper – Groenkeur certified
The Herder Ecochopper is specifically developed for sustainable and ecological mowing with a mowing arm. This machine is designed to protect flora and fauna while maintaining operational efficiency and ease of use. Its unique design eliminates suction, allowing seeds to remain in the soil and enabling natural vegetation to regenerate. Insects and small animals are largely spared during the mowing process.
- Groenkeur certified for ecological mowing
- Minimal disturbance of flora and fauna
- Sustainable alternative to traditional flail mowing
Mowing Bucket with Fish Protector
For ditch maintenance, Herder offers the mowing bucket combined with the Fish Protector. This system allows contractors and water authorities to maintain watercourses while significantly reducing fish mortality.
- Prevents fish from being drawn into the bucket
- Maintains watercourse profile effectively
- Suitable for shallow waters and sensitive habitats
Ecological Mower – Groenkeur certified
The Ecological Mower is specifically designed for low-impact verge management. It cuts vegetation cleanly while reducing suction, turbulence and disturbance — ideal for areas where biodiversity enhancement is a priority.
- Groenkeur certified for ecological mowing
- Reduced disturbance for insects, amphibians and small mammals
- Suitable for nature-inclusive management strategies
Built to last – Sustainable by design
A long machine life is one of the most sustainable things a manufacturer can offer. At Herder we focus on:
- Robust construction for decades of reliable use
- High availability of spare parts for long-term serviceability
- Efficient hydraulics that reduce fuel consumption
- Low maintenance requirements to minimize downtime and resource use
Our machines often remain in operation for 20–30 years — a testament to the durability built into every Herder product.
Supporting the transition to responsible vegetation management
Governments, water authorities and contractors are increasingly adopting ecological and nature-inclusive maintenance methods. Herder is committed to supporting this transition through:
- Continuous innovation in ecological mowing
- Collaboration with knowledge institutes and water authorities
- Improving machine safety, efficiency and environmental performance
- Offering practical solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising productivity
Our mission is simple: help professionals manage landscapes in a way that protects nature, supports biodiversity and remains economically viable.
Responsible entrepreneurship
Herder respects its people and the environment and strives to conduct its business with an eye for people and nature. Business processes are continuously analyzed and improved with corporate responsibility in mind.
For example, Herder’s production facility recently optimized its energy consumption by changing the heating system in the factory, upgrading the warehouse lighting system to LED and improving the insulation of the facility to reduce heating and cooling requirements.