"Limitation of drain water volume, maximum reduction of ballast and residue in fertilizers and disinfectants and crop protection agents, and a treatment system tailored to our cultivation: the sustainability of our water consumption is an interplay of diverse factors." A 2018 sustainability blog concluded that. A lot has happened in five years. And one thing is certain: our efforts are paying off. 

Reusing pouring water 

For example, our water extraction consists exclusively of rainwater and we recover our irrigation water as much as possible. Because our greenhouses have all been equipped with ErfGoedVloeren since 2018, we limit our rainwater consumption. A significant gain. Because because we are so conscious of how we use our rainwater, we are able to use it effectively, even in very dry summers.

How exactly does such an ErfGoedVloer work? Because this cultivation floor is made up of several layers, the water drains evenly and slowly to the drainage pit. Then disinfection takes place. Via UV light, fungi, bacteria, nematodes and viruses are rendered harmless. An additional disinfection with hydrogen peroxide (H202) follows during pouring. After this oxidation process, the water is purified and ready to be reused. In this way, we make optimal use of our pouring water. Another water-saving action? We pour only when our plants need it. The weight of our plants is constantly monitored and used as a basis for the watering strategy. 

All efforts that make a difference. Because if we look back at 2018, we see a significant decrease in water use, and that while we have increased in area. 

Purifying reeds for sluice water

We cannot reuse all water. Our wastewater, whether from flushing filters or excess drain water, also undergoes a thorough 100% biological purification via reed beds. In such a reed bed, reed interacts with other aquatic plants and microorganisms. A natural water purification that relies on the self-purifying processes of water, soil and plants. And that without using artificial supply of energy or other necessary substances.

The water thus meets all the environmental standards we aim for. Even though those standards tighten every year, with our reed beds we are sure to continue to meet them in the future. 

Growing MPS since 1997

Which brings us to MPS (Milieu Project Sierteelt). With this label you prove that you make efforts to do business with respect for people and nature. Today, certification is the standard for competing on the market. Microflor jumped on this bandwagon back in 1997. At first with the basis: MPS-VMS, supplemented in 2010 with the first MPS-GAP certificate. A quality manual with standards on traceability, environment, personnel and recall procedures. In 2017, we raised the bar even higher with MPS-ProductProof. 

This label indicates how a producer scores relative to others in terms of fertilization, pesticides, energy consumption and waste disposal. In addition, the label shows that you do not use prohibited active substances in cultivation. Read all about it in the blog "Environmental care certification: this is how we guarantee you transparency and sustainability.  
 

Green light for LED

In addition to water, energy is also a challenge. We are currently systematically replacing our classic Son-T lamps with energy-efficient LED lamps . An investment with which we want to reduce our energy consumption. Small downside? LED lamps, unlike the Son-T lamps, give off less heat, so we have to add some extra heating. We are currently doing that with our CHP. Here too, behind the scenes, we are putting all our efforts into a sustainable alternative. In the first place by using energy economically and researching alternatives. Think of energy screens, air dehumidification with heat recovery ... The ultimate goal is fossil-free cultivation. 

Green impact on our environment

Nature gives us so much beauty. We think so. That's why we want to give something back. So we have planted our adjacent farmland as a flower meadow and bird pasture. An attractive piece of nature for (breeding) birds and small game. The flower meadow also gives biodiversity a boost. Even more green: around our business park we created a green screen with trees and shrubs. 

Further reducing the ecological footprint

This blog is a snapshot in time. After all, sustainable business is a journey of years. A process that requires a lot of time and testing and continuous monitoring to make sure everything is going according to plan. And in the meantime, we are also looking at other processes within the company. We grasp opportunities to go green with both hands. But always step by step. To be continued.