You can find additional product information on the Envirobond website. Product specification and drawings can be found on CAD Details here

Yes, Organic-Lock blended aggregate remains permeable to water after installation. This reduces runoff volume and allows some water back into the root zone for trees and eventually to the groundwater table. The permeability rate will change over the course of a rainfall event given the nature of the Organic-Lock to swell with water and hold the aggregate in place. The highest rate of water infiltration will occur at the beginning of a rainfall event when the blended aggregate is dry – as the Organic-Lock naturally swells on contact with water to hold the aggregate in place, the rate of water permeability slows.

Check out this video for a detailed explanation of Organic-Lock’s water permeability.

It is important to recognize that the optimal installation of the Organic-Lock blended aggregate incorporates crowns and swales to shed the water off of the surface and prevent sitting water as much as possible.

As with any permeable surface, the level of permeability can also change over time as the surface becomes contaminated by the surrounding environment (i.e. soil, silt, debris etc.).

The porosity of the specific aggregate blended with the Organic-Lock, as well as the level of compaction, can have a significant impact on permeability.

Click here for a report on the permeability rates of the material

Although the material has a monolithic appearance upon final compaction of the material, natural weathering and traffic will expose some loose particles on the surface to give it a more natural appearance. During rainfall, water will penetrate the material and the Organic-Lock will swell into a gel to hold the particles in place.

When installed with a proper base, Organic-Lock blended aggregates can achieve the load-bearing performance required for vehicular traffic while maintaining the aesthetic and water permeability of a natural aggregate. See “Vehicular Traffic FAQ” below.

The pH of Organic-Lock is approximately 11, providing a level of weed deterrence and also longevity of the plant material. The high pH (11) slows down the microbial degradation (i.e. increases longevity), and it also makes it an unfavorable growing medium for new seeds (i.e. weeds) to germinate.

Yes, projects including Organic-Lock have been considered ADA Compliant
NOTE: The Organic-Lock ADA Test Report on the Google Drive supports this performance feature – ADA Test Report

The maximum slope that is acceptable for an Organic-Lock blended aggregate application is 20%. For slopes that are 10% or greater, we recommend installing runoff “diverters”, which are materials such as railroad ties (or equivalent) embedded in the pathway at a 45-degree angle to prevent water gaining momentum which can accelerate washout damage.

Yes, an Organic-Lock blended aggregate surface can support vehicular traffic. It is most important that the base is properly constructed to support heavier traffic (8-12 inches of compacted ¾” crushed stone) and the Organic-Lock material is to be installed at a depth of 4 to 6 inches, compacted in lifts of 2 to 3 inches at a time.

NOTE: Please see the following guidelines for more information about each type of application:

Light Vehicular Application
Golf Cart Application
Heavy Vehicular/ Fire Lane Application

Although the active bonding agent is a similar type of plant material, Organic-Lock is a patented blend of that includes a renewable plant resource. This both increase longevity and enhance bond strength, leading to superior stability compared to the Stabilizer product.

Yes, Organic-Lock blended aggregate can be installed with a grid product. Field testing of this application type is ongoing. In some cases, it may be necessary to fill the grid cells with dry Organic-Lock material and surface wet this first layer, followed by the installation of 1 to 2 inches of pre-wet material on the surface.

No, the aggregate mixed with Organic-lock does not have to be a granite material. Generally, limestone and decomposed granites tend to perform the most reliably, however other materials can also work that the particle size distribution fits our Optimal Gradation Specifications (click here). The surface texture and angularity of the crushed stone particles are also important factors.

No, pea gravel or beach pebbles lack the fine particles required for the Organic-Lock to effectively bond with the aggregate. These materials are also very much “rounded” which make them unable to create an “interlocking” matrix within the aggregate itself. Crushed aggregate that have angular or sub-angular particles are optimal for proper interlocking within the aggregate.

Generally, limestone and decomposed granites tend to perform the most reliably, however other materials can also work that the particle size distribution fits our Optimal Gradation Specifications. As a general rule, an acceptable aggregate will be in the form of a 1/4” minus or 3/8” minus with at least 5% fine particles passing the #200 sieve.

In extreme rain conditions, the material will resist washout very effectively with a proper watershed management plan in place. Should any washout damage occur over time, the material is easily repairable.

At the present time, there has not been significant field research on the performance of Organic-Lock in relatively wet/damp environments but as long as a proper watershed management plan is in place, we do not expect moisture in the form of humidity to be detrimental to the Organic-Lock’s performance.

Coverage rate at a 3” depth = 65 sq-ft/ton (foot traffic)
Coverage rate at a 4” depth = 50 sq-ft/ton (light vehicular traffic)
Coverage rate at a 5” depth = 35 sq-ft/ton (vehicular traffic)
Coverage rate at a 6” depth = 20 sq-ft/ton (heavy vehicular traffic)

The longevity of the Organic-Lock is mostly dictated by the unique environment in which it is installed. Factors such as watershed, climate, precipitation, canopy cover, traffic and installation all influence the longevity. A natural aggregate surface is most prone to potential damage (washouts) during the first few years of its lifetime before it becomes additionally compacted and consolidated by foot or vehicular traffic. This is where Organic-Lock really shines, as it is during this initial period that it is most active helping to maintain the integrity of the surface. The Organic-Lock will naturally start to slowly biodegrade after this initial period but by then, the aggregate will have naturally consolidated to a point where a binder is no longer needed.

The self-healing feature of the Organic-Lock makes it ideal to install in regions with extreme weather conditions. Extreme heat has not been shown to degrade Organic-Lock at any significant degree. Extreme cold may cause the ground to expand but the Organic-Lock will settle and reset upon thawing.

It is completely normal for loose particles to become exposed on the surface of an Organic-Lock application. This is part of what provides the natural aesthetic of aggregate surfaces that is so sought-after today

While Organic-Lock blended aggregate has the strength and load-bearing capability of concrete or asphalt, it looks and feels more like a crushed stone surface without a binder. Our product is not designed to be a monolithic surface like asphalt or concrete, but rather a flexible natural paving surface that can settle with the surrounding earth. The natural flexibility of the Organic-Lock will allow the material to consolidate, which will actually increase the overall strength and integrity of the stabilized surface over time.

When there is a thin layer on the surface that appears to be like a “skin”, separating from the rest of the material and cracking, it suggests that the material was either pre-blended with:

(1) too much Organic-Lock or

(2) too much water

Depending on the severity of the situation, the material can either be:

(1) carefully excavated, re-blended with additional aggregate and laid back into place OR scarified in place and re-compacted (for the scarification option, you can use a rototiller, a rake, box gannon, loader bucket or other suitable equipment); or

(2) if too much water was applied, the material should be scarified and spread out to allow it to dry, before it is raked back into place and compacted

In our experience, washout is often the result of a weakness in the watershed management plan. It would be best to pinpoint the source of excessive water and divert it accordingly. Examples would be dripping water from a man-made surface above or a heavy water concentration coming from an impermeable surface above the damaged area.

It would be ideal for the daytime temperature to be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit during installation, which will allow the material to start drying out to allow the bonds to properly set. It is also recommended not to install frozen chunks of material.

Installing Structural Soil is recommended below the root base and out to the radius of the root ball (even extending up to 12′ for more sensitive trees).

Yes, but first it is essential that we review a sieve analysis and photo of the aggregate beside a ruler as an initial screening step. This will ensure that neither side wastes any resources in sending an aggregate sample that is visibly unsuitable. Please do your best to source an aggregate that fits our Optimal Gradation Limits that can be found here

Dr. Qingbin Guo/Prof. Douglas Goff
(E-mail Qingbin to confirm expected delivery time: qingbin@uoguelph.ca )
Dept. of Food Science*,
University of Guelph,
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
(*receiving address, Loading dock, corner of Gordon St. and McGilvray Lane)
(519) 824-4120

Yes, as long as the aggregate in question has actually been tested and approved by our laboratory, we will be happy to support you with such a letter.

Once we learn more details about the potential project or dealership, we would be glad to send you a trial-sized bag of Organic-Lock at no charge. This trial-sized bag will contain sufficient Organic-Lock to construct a 4’x4′ test plot when blended with your own aggregate.

Please refer to our optimal gradation guidelines for specifications pictures showing examples of suitable aggregates.

Please refer to our Recent Project map here. If you do not see a completed project in your area, please contact us and we can provide you with a list of the next closest reference sites that may not yet have been added to the map. Please note that some travel may be required.

Please contact one of our licensed dealers and they will provide you with pricing by the ton of Organic-Lock pre-blended aggregate.

If there is no licensed dealer in your area and you have access to an aggregate that meets the required specifications and the means to blend it with Organic-Lock, please send us details about the project, including area size, location and project timing so we can put together a proper pricing quotation.

Yes, this arrangement is possible and if you wish for us to hold your current year’s pricing, we must receive full payment for the order before December 31.

Please confirm your expected order quantity with us and we will check with our production department on current stock levels.

Organic-Lock can be purchased from your local licensed dealer. If there is not a licensed distributor in your territory, Organic-Lock is to be purchased directly from Envirobond provided you have access to an aggregate that meets the required specifications and you have the means to blend the aggregate with the Organic-Lock yourself.

The minimum order size for delivery is 1 full pallet (2,000 lbs)

Organic-Lock can be delivered in a VAN, on a FLATBED or in a RAIL/SHIP CONTAINER.

Flatbed (20 pallets) – more expensive but easy to unload (from all sides)
Van (20 pallets) – can only unload from the back (if no loading dock, must be unloaded by hand) – dealer has the option of dragging pallets to back for unloading, using only their own resources
Rail Container (20 pallets – pallet dimensions are the limit here) – 108” high “Super Container” so forklift can drive in/out.

Absolutely NO double stacking of pallets.

*driver assistantce is considered an additional charge by all carriers.

No, freight is an additional charge that is quoted on a per order basis since the order size will play a part in dictating the rate. Please confirm an expected order quantity and we will source a freight rate for you within the next 1-2 days.

NOTE: All freight rate requests are to be placed internally to our Logistics Coordinator (Cheryl Masters – cmasters@envirobond.com) and you must specify the (1) truck type, (2) total number of pallets, (3) total weight and (4) delivery address.

The maximum number of Organic-Lock pallets that fit on a full truckload is 20 pallets (40,000 lbs).

Full Truckload (FTL) = 4-5 days
Less Than Truckload (LTL) = 6-8 days
Rail Container LTL = 10-12 days
Rail Container FTL = 5-6 days

Rates include fuel, dock to dock, customs fee plus added HST to rates, where applicable.
Always try to provide us with as much lead time as possible.

ALL OF THE ABOVE IS DEPENDENT ON OUR STOCK LEVELS

Yes, you may coordinate your own freight, but please stand-by while we prepare the customs paperwork for you. The pickup location is St. Mary’s, Ontario, Canada. Once we have confirmed that your order is released for pick-up, your carrier must call the pick-up location in advance to schedule an appointment.

Organic-Lock is available is two package sizes:

• 50 lb bags at 40 bags per pallet (2,000 lbs total), hooded and shrink-wrapped
• 2,000 lb bulk bag (tote) on a pallet

We recommend Organic-Lock be installed within 24 hours of blending with an aggregate as the natural moisture in the aggregate can begin to activate the Organic-Lock after that time frame and result in accelerated deterioration if stored too long. This can also result in issues related to installation (it is possible that the material will become too hydrated, making it difficult to work with since the Organic-Lock could become fully activated and will stick to your equipment).

However, provided the Organic-Lock blended aggregate is kept in dry state, the blended material can be stockpiled for up to 7 days as long as the moisture content is less than 5%.

If absolutely necessary, Organic-Lock blending material can be packaged in bulk bags as long as the aggregate has less than 3% moisture in it. If the material is stocked for an extended time period, the finer particles will naturally settle to the bottom of the mixture and it should be remixed on site before pre-hydrating. This material should still be used within 14 days for optimal performance.

If the Organic-Lock blended aggregate is made with 100% dry aggregate and bagged in a tote bag (i.e. 2,000lb+), then the material can be stored up to 60 days.

Organic-Lock should be properly covered to prevent moisture and insect infiltration. This means ideally storing it indoors but if that option is not available, then securing it completely with a tarp outdoors is an alternate option.

It should be kept as dry as possible at all times.

As long as the Organic-Lock is properly covered and stored in a dry location, the Organic-Lock will remain usable for 6-12 months.

This indicates that there is excessive moisture in the pile. This mainly happens when a pile of blended material is left open in the rain. We always recommend covering a pile of blended material with a tarp if it must be left outside in the rain. If leaching has occurred, we suggest mixing in an additional 0.25% (5 lb/ ton aggregate) of Organic-Lock into the mixture to ensure that there is enough Organic-Lock in the mixture before it is installed.

You can use a pug mill, volumetric mixer, ready-mix truck, concrete mixer or bucket mix with a loader on a monolithic (hard) surface to avoid contamination. Refer to our installation video and our installation guidelines.

Yes, we would be more than happy to connect you with our Organic-Lock dealers to discuss their experience working with Organic-Lock and Envirobond. Please contact us and we will set up a call time so that they can give you the proper attention.

The ideal mixing ratio of Organic-Lock to aggregate in this type of application is 34 lbs OL per ton of aggregate. Please note that many dealers have determined that a mixing ratio of 30 lbs OL per ton of aggregate also works well with their aggregates, without compromising the performance of the blended material at any significant degree. See our specifications for various applications here

The mixing ratio of Organic-Lock to aggregate in this type of application is 25 lbs OL per ton of aggregate. A lower amount of Organic-Lock is accepted in this type of application due to the use of a finer aggregate, a lower amount of pore space, and a lower amount of traffic received by this type of application compared to a pathway of driveway application.

The aggregate can have up to a 6% moisture level before blending with Organic-Lock.

Make a compacted ball of blended material in your hands or step on a ball of material with your work boot. If the blended material falls apart easily, more water must be added. If there is excess water visible on the surface of the compacted ball, then some dry blended material must be added to the over-hydrated material. If the ball holds together firmly or your boot imprint is free of cracks, the ideal moisture level has been achieved and you can then proceed with installation. See our blending and installation guidelines.

Depending upon the method of compaction the installation of base material may require separate lifts. Typically, a lift of 4 inches of loose, pre-wet Organic-Lock Pathway Aggregate will compact to a 3 inch depth. If the application requires more than 3 inches of compacted aggregate, two lifts will be need to ensure an optimal level of compaction (e.g. for Heavy Vehicular/Fire Lane Applications, 6 inches of compacted aggregate are required which would mean 2 lifts of 4 inches un-compacted material).

They do make a small walk-behind single-drum or double-drum version of a big steam roller that you may be able find at an equipment rental place. A greens roller has also been used successfully in tight areas. Since neither water filled drum rollers nor hand tamping apply enough weight to compact the aggregate properly you are better off using a vibratory plate compactor if that is your only option. When using a vibratory plate compactor, you will have to be aware that this will make for a poor installation because the vibration will jar loose the aggregate on the upper surface and will never reach optimum compaction.You would then have to go over with a water roller for a smooth final finish.

Yes, Organic-Lock blended aggregate can be installed around a tree. It would be ideal if a 12′ radius is left directly around the tree base where unstabilized aggregate should be installed to maximize water infiltration here. It is often the case that direct traffic is minimal around the base of the tree, therefore a binder is not as crucial here. Typically in a setting where there is a tree surrounded by some type of paving material, the tree itself is set in structural soil.

• For pedestrian traffic only, the base should be 4-6” of ¾” compacted crushed stone.
• For light vehicular traffic, the base should be 8-12” of ¾” compacted crushed stone.
• For heavy vehicular traffic, the base should be 10-12” of ¾” compacted crushed stone.

• Foot/Bicycle Traffic Guidelines
• Light Vehicular Guidelines
• Golf Cart Guidelines
• Heavy Vehicular/Fire Lane Guidelines
• Warning Track Guidelines

This may require an analysis conducted by a storm water professional to assess the level of rainfall runoff expected in and around the project area. Water coming from any hard surfaces or structures in the area must be taken into consideration. The plan could include green space, drains, swales, pathway cross-slopes and pathway crowns.

Do not blend or install Organic-Lock in the rain. Rainfall can have an adverse effect on Organic-Lock if it has not yet been installed and compacted. If it is raining during blending/installing, it is possible that the material will become too hydrated, making it difficult to work with since the Organic-Lock could become fully activated and will stick to your equipment.

Although it is ideal to fully install Organic-Lock blended aggregate 24 hours before a rainfall event, it can be installed within a few hours of rainfall if there is a level of urgency to complete the project. If it is installed very soon before rain, it is crucial that the appropriate moisture level is achieved to ensure that the Organic-Lock is fully activated. If there is any damage to the material during a heavy rainfall event immediately after installation, the material can easily be re-worked, compacted and watered to reset.

You should allow 24 hours of dry, mild weather to properly stabilize. In early Spring or late Fall when temperatures can be less than 5 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the material should be inspected after a 24 hour period before allowing traffic and extend the setting period if deemed necessary.

Please note that it is ideal for the daytime temperature to be at least 40oF (5oC) for installation of Organic-Lock pathway material.

We do not recommend blending new material using this method due to the high risk of contamination and the lower chance of achieving a homogeneous mixture. In some maintenance situations, this mixing method can be considered an option to repair localized damage areas.

• Although maintenance will be required from time to time, a primary role of the Organic-Lock is to significantly reduce the level of maintenance that would otherwise be required with a regular, unstabilized crushed stone surface.
• Maintenance could be as simple as wetting material in the damaged and surrounding area, re-working, compacting and watering. In some cases, scarifying the surface of the pathway and working fresh blended material into the damaged area may be required. Another option is to apply Organic-Lock to the pathway surface and blend into the compacted aggregate with a rototiller, followed by compacting and watering the surface.
• Annual maintenance inspections should be undertaken to determine whether maintenance is required.

Please contact us if you are interested in potentially becoming an Organic-Lock dealer. We will set up an initial conference call with our sales team to provide you with more information, determine whether you are a good fit for the product and answer any questions you may have.

Yes, we offer dealers exclusive the exclusive right to operate an Organic-Lock dealership in certain territories. Maintaining exclusivity generally requires achieving reasonable minimum sales thresholds each year.

We provide our dealers with a number of tools drive sales of Organic-Lock, including CadDetails listings, trade show support, redirecting inquiries from various customer levels (mainly landscape architects), dealer staff sales training and co-op marketing with dealers.

Yes, we prefer to treat this as a mandatory step in the onboarding process since it will allows us to answer all questions on your end and also meet everyone on your team over a Skype video conference. We can either host a video call with people at various locations or you can just use one video and have your team together in one room.

• IF DEALER IN AREA – We will forward a request to our local dealer and one of their sales reps will get in touch with you regarding samples and color options.
• IF NO DEALER IN AREA – Yes, we can send you a generic sample to of an Organic-Lock blended aggregate but if you already have an aggregate selected for a project, it would be best for us to prepare samples with that aggregate for greater accuracy.

We are happy to host a webinar over lunch to educate your team about the benefits of Organic-Lock and best practices for pathway installation and, in some cases, will consider a live presentation at your firm’s office and treat your team to a lunch. Please contact us to set this up.