About us
We advance sustainable technologies, helping New Zealand farmers thrive.
Our purpose
Tnue supports New Zealand farmers and growers to build on their globally competitive position, by advancing sustainable technologies.
We help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, improve profitability, and enhance quality of life. By working closely with producers, we understand their challenges and support them in meeting regulatory, and market demands while driving productivity.
Our story
Fifteen years ago, we recognised the vital role fertiliser played in boosting agricultural productivity. However, this came at an environmental cost - nutrient leaching and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
We saw an opportunity to develop a technology that encapsulates fertiliser granules in a micro-thin membrane, releasing nutrients in alignment with plant demand. This innovation significantly reduces nutrient losses to waterways and the atmosphere.
Our challenge was to adapt this technology for use on New Zealand’s extensive pastoral and cropping farms.
To achieve this, we identified four critical factors:
Affordability – It had to be cost-effective for all farmers.
Adaptability – It needed to suit New Zealand’s diverse growing conditions.
Local Manufacturing – Shortening the supply chain was essential.
Sustainability – The production process had to be environmentally responsible.
Our company, Eko360, launched an extensive research initiative. With financial support from Callaghan Innovation, we engaged local scientific experts (Scion) and international leaders in this field. We collaborated closely with the agricultural industry to ensure our research aligned with farmers’ needs.
The production process involves significant heat and energy demands, leading us to geothermal energy as a long-term, secure solution.
Tnue was established by Eko360 to be the manufacturer for our Control Release Technology®. We are the inaugural tenant of the He Ahi Clean Energy Park in Rotokawa, Taupō.
In September 2024, the Tnue factory began supplying commercial products. Today, it provides controlled-release fertiliser to all major fertiliser companies across the North Island.
Tnue founder, Bruce Smith
Ready to increase your yield and reduce your emissions?
Talk to our expert team to see how Tnue’s Control Release Technology® can make a real difference to your farming practice.