Achi news desk-
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that measure less than 5 millimeters. These minicule particles end up in the environment and accumulate there. They are not biodegradable but rather break down into smaller pieces over time. “Every day, we all ingest microplastics through food, drink and air. But do you know how much? And which products contain microplastics? According to the website of the Plastic Soup Institute, it is estimated that an American male adult ingests around 121,000 plastic particles per year,” explained Jaco de Vries passionately. The director of Houweling Horticulture continues: “Initial studies show that this intake of microplastics could have harmful effects on the human body.”
The transition period for EU legislation ends in 2028
“Sustainability and health are important reasons for Houweling Horticulture to focus on developing microplastic-free products. In addition, as a horticultural sector, we are expected to grow in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Requirements are also set by legislation. The United Nations has established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the EU has drawn up legislation relating to the sale of knowingly added microplastics. The goal of the Sustainable Development Goals is 2030, and the EU has an even shorter horizon. The new measures have already been incorporated into European REACH legislation and came into force on October 15, 2023. The horticultural sector has a short transition period to comply with these measures, namely 2028. If we, as a horticultural sector the Netherlands, to maintain our importance and position, we need to respond proactively to this. It has to. There is no choice anymore.”
10 year development time for a distinctive, sustainable liquid shielding agent
“In the product category of coating and shading agents, until recently, there were no products available on the market that could meet these aspirations and requirements,” adds Ronald de Vreede. De Vreede is product manager at Houweling Horticulture with over 20 years of experience in this product group. “Over 100 years ago, Marc Houweling’s grandfather discovered that spraying chalk on flat greenhouse roofs provided protection and cooling. He introduced the shading agent in powder form to the market, developed the product further, and conquered the national and international markets. About 10 years ago, there was a desire at Houweling to develop a sustainable liquid shading agent that would stand out from the existing products on the market.”
A microplastic-free shielding agent that can be removed without chemical means
“After years of development, testing and refinement, we have finally developed a sustainable liquid shading agent that is even completely free of microplastics. Naturally, we are extremely proud of this.” Bright Eco-Cover protects crops from heat and sunlight and can be used safely when growing any crop, especially organic crops. “This is because the product can be removed from the roof of the greenhouse in an environmentally responsible manner. It wears off over time due to wind and rain, it can be brushed off, or removed with Bright Eco Cleaner. The coating remains on the roof of the greenhouse for at least 90 days. We presented Bright Eco-Coating to the public at GreenTech Amsterdam in 2023. It is the first and only liquid coating or shading agent that is 100% microplastic free, 100% biodegradable based, and therefore 100% biodegradable, in accordance with OECD 301F standards. This allows Bright Eco-Coating to be removed from any greenhouse surface without chemical cleaning agents.”
For more information:
Ronald de Vreede
Product Manager
Houweling Horticulture
+31 (0)6 52 40 38 13
[email protected]
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