Eight years ago, Bas van der Elst was asked to improve sales at the Horticulture section of DL Plastics. Bas was familiar with the horticulture greenhouse sector and at that time he was ready for a new challenge. He has seen the further development of foils in the last few years.
From PVC to FPP
Each silo or holding basin is unique. Customization is asked from foil processors. Foil processors weld and model these foils. The used material went through a long development process. Previously, foils made from PVC, LDPE and EPDM were used in horticulture. Nowadays it’s mainly FPP. FPP is the acronym for Flexible Poly Propylene. DL Plastics offers DelafleX. This is a multi-layer FPP foil. Bas van der Elst, Horticulture Sales Director at DL Plastics: "By using multiple layers, this foil is stronger and can withstand heavy mechanical stress, making it more resistant to damage caused by the strong wind. In comparison with PVC, FPP has better resistance with it comes to long term exposure to UV radiation, fertilizer and the frequently used chlorine. The advantage of the material is that it doesn’t get porous or damaged. Therefore, this product has a 15 year warranty and a life expectancy in excess of 30 years."
Octagon shaped studded surface
Besides DelafleX, DL Plastics brought another solution on the market. This product had to provide a solution for the growth of algae in basins. Algae develops by UV in open basins. When the water surface is covered by at least 82%, there will be insufficient light for the algae to develop. The solution is obvious; cover the water surface, make sure that it cannot blow off and make sure you can get underneath it for any repair or maintenance work. DL Plastics developed DelaFloat. This material has a special octagon studded structure at the bottom. As a result, the material is attached to the water surface in a vacuum effect. It can’t be lifted off by wind. You can roll up the material easily and remove it from the basin for cleaning or maintenance. The upper surface has been made white so that sunlight (and heat) is reflected. Bas: "The float systems were all made in black and this draws heat which is not good for the water quality. There is a lot of interest in this product and the inquiries are pouring in."
DL Plastics is a family owned business, and for almost 60 years has been on the international market in the field of processing and assembly of flexible foils for agriculture and horticulture.
For more information:
DL Plastics B.V.
De Wissel 15
9076 PT St. Annaparochie
tel: +31(0518) 409 700