EPS propagation tray for single use: benefits hygiene and logistics

In close collaboration, Dutch young plant propagators Plantenkwekerij van der Lugt, Plantenkwekerij Globe Plant and EPS producer Hordijk EPS have developed an EPS tray. The tray has round holes that can hold 252 plants for propagation. The tray is specially designed for single use only. For international growers, the price of the tray is key.

Ewoud Blaak van Hordijk EPS presents the first trays to Johan Grootscholten of Globe Plant and Ewald de Koning of Plantenkwekerij Van der Lugt.

The single-use EPS trays offer advantages for all companies involved in the chain. After all, one is no longer dependent on when the reusable tray is empty, but now trays can be filled with plugs, put in stock and used at the right time. According to Van der Lugt and Globe Plant, the key benefit of disposable trays is a uniform and pristine tray that can be quickly and easily deployed on the automated sowing lines. Additionally, there’s a great advantage from a hygiene point of view; trays need not be cleaned, but are always new and clean.

The tray is also available for other plant breeders. By making use of new mould technologies, Hordijk EPS succeeded in developing a smooth tray. As a result, roots do not adhere to the inside of the tray, and the plug (without damaging the root) can be easily removed from it.

The tray is light in weight but sufficiently strong for the job. After use, the trays are collected and recycled. The trays have a second life in EPS products, for example as concrete floors or as lightweight fill material in road construction.

More information:
Hordijk
e.blaak@hordijk.nl
015-2511151

Publication date: Thu 27 Nov 2014