Benelux growers switching to perlite blocks

More and more Dutch growers are switching to perlite blocks. There are several reasons for this. There is the growing popularity of natural substrates. "We see a clear increase in the use of natural substrates," confirms Sven Willems, who owns Willems Perlite with his brother Niels. "That need does not only arise from the needs of growers, but also because retail and consumers are increasingly looking at the process of producers and how it might become more sustainable."

Easy to recycle
Another factor for growers to consider is the recycling. "For growers who work with substrates such as perlite and coconut, or a mixture thereof, a perlite pot is probably better because these can be disposed of,” says Sven.

More generative plants
Another incentive for the perlite market is the demand for a more generative plant - especially among tomato growers. Plant breeders can easily breed a more generative plant in perlite blocks. "As a result, several large growers switched to perlite blocks in recent years. The results are generally very positive. During cultivation, the plants produce more dry matter and roots, because perlite has greater oxygen capacity as compared to rockwool. Plants grown in perlite pots therefore develop a finer and more branched root system that manifests itself throughout the pot.”

Expand product range
"Every year we sell for several hundred hectares’ worth of perlite pots in the Benelux and Germany," says Sven. "Despite the difficult times, we would very much like to continue to invest and grow. We want to expand our product line in the future. For this we are looking for partners, and are encouraging people to invest. All in a bid to offer a complete solution to our customers."

More information:
Willems Perlite
Hulsdonk 37
9042 Gent Zeehaven
Tel. +32 (0)9 373 47 03
Gsm +32 (0)497 84 65 79
Fax +32 (0)9 373 48 02
info@willems-perlite.com

Publication date: Mon 27 Oct 2014