"Obtaining OK Soil certification is a big step for our plugs"

After obtaining the OK Compost Certificate in 2017, Maan Biobased Products has taken another step. The Growcoon has been awarded the OK Biodegradable Soil certification. "The biodegradable grow and seed plug Growcoon can now officially demonstrate that it is biodegradable in the soil without harming the…

Secrets to improving last-mile delivery sustainability

As companies examine their operations' sustainability, the last mile has come under particular scrutiny. Integral parts of the process like packing materials and delivery…

E-book offers support during decision-making process of new packaging line

With the intent to help guide customers through the packaging decision-making process, JASA Packaging Solutions is introducing an e-book about packaging leafy greens. “Traditional brochures address the machines we have and the advantages of these machines. But the e-book will help guide you through the…

Singrow

Pilot to enable strawberry production on Indonesian island

Recently, Singrow Pte Ltd., an agtech solution provider, announced a collaboration with Aik Moh to set up a vertical farm. The aim of the pilot is to grow strawberries in Batam, an Indonesian island closely located to Singapore.  The pilot setup will be completed by the end of July 2021 and will be ready to…

"Tall plants can now benefit from automation too"

Taller plant industries such as bananas, cannabis, potatoes, corn, cereals as well as specific ornamental and berry fruit horticultural varieties can now benefit from automation. The Australian-based PTC automation company Nic-In Systems has introduced a taller container to its product consumables range.…

'Where’s everyone gone? Don’t leave it too late to automate'

Unlike many of our European counterparts, the UK has been slow to automate. But a perfect storm of Brexit and Covid-19 is set to fast-track our robotics revolution. Here, David Jahn, Director of Brillopak, explains how 2021 is poised to become the year that robotic arms finally replace human hands at…

"North American pallet shortage to last for a longer period"

The lack of pallets is adding stress to a supply chain that is already facing significant challenges which include a lack of available trucks and shipping containers, ongoing…

Spread Co., Ltd.

Introducing hygiene measures and certification for vertical farm produce

“We make use of ‘surprise inspections’ at our production site,” said Ozawa, hygiene and quality manager at Spread. Occasionally, we’d test workers by checking whether they sufficiently rinsed themselves, to avoid any case of contamination. Workers that are found at the production site are first measured…

"Do you know how your produce is packaged?"

Consumers have a love-hate relationship with product packaging. On the plus side, it can help a product retain its quality and flavor, improve shelf life and build brand loyalty. Thoughtfully packaged products and food items are often pleasing to the eye and it’s easy to gravitate toward them.  On the flip…

"The biggest impact we can have as an industry is to reduce the amount of plastic we put in the system to begin with"

While the horticultural industry has long used plastics for trays and pots, the consumer push towards environmental sustainability has some companies rethinking their business models to reduce their carbon footprint. Ahead of their time, Blackmore Company, a commercial horticultural systems and equipment…

“A compact packing machine – it makes sense here where space is tight"

Vertical farming is based on the idea of growing more food in less space, regardless of weather, wind, and changing seasons. It is also the idea behind Urban Oasis – a young and forward-thinking company based in Stockholm. The vision is to deliver healthy and sustainable food to people, right where they…

New clamshell retail pack for premium lettuce

Church Brothers Farms developed a new clamshell for its Little Gem lettuce that protects and showcases the premium variety at retail. The new patent-pending four-count clamshell is designed to protect the unique properties of the compact-sized lettuce while providing more product visibility on shelf. The…