Sven Hoping is responsible for the TEKU® division at plastics specialist Pöppelmann in Lohne, Germany, a company known worldwide for its plastic solutions for professional horticulture. In this interview, he explains why reliable delivery, strong stock management, and investments in future-proof technologies and new products are the right signals for the industry today.
© Pöppelmann TEKUSven Hoping, division director Pöppelmann TEKU
Mr Hoping, how do you assess the current situation in the horticulture industry?
The general conditions have undoubtedly become more challenging. In a fast-changing world, many companies are under high-cost pressure. A shortage of skilled workers and rising personnel costs in a declining market are putting additional pressure on horticulture. These developments are leading to a decline in investment willingness and noticeable uncertainty throughout the industry.
How is Pöppelmann TEKU® responding to this situation?
In these challenging times, on-time delivery and quality are our top priorities. As a long-term, reliable partner to our customers, we also invest in future-proof processes and innovative products. A clear example of this is the recently completed conversion of the TEKU division® to a new ERP system – a deliberate step that clearly underlines our long-term focus on horticulture.
What does this mean for your customers in concrete terms?
Even though the summer months are currently bringing us an above-average number of orders with short delivery times, we are already looking ahead and starting to build up stock for the coming season. This requires the full commitment of our entire team, every day. Because for us, the highest performance for our customers, i.e. reliable on-time-delivery and the highest quality, is our top priority – not only in quiet times, but especially under high pressure and in intense market situations.
You also mention investments in new products. What can the industry expect?
The main aim of our new developments is to increase efficiency in businesses and further improve automation processes. The new VCL/VCM series of thermoformed plant pots meets these expectations, as does the new MCN series, which offers new container solutions for tree nurseries. With the MAO hanging baskets series, we are supporting horticultural businesses to improve their crop management and plant quality. And, of course, we continue to offer a wide range of trays – with even more reusable solutions in the future.
Sustainability has been the hot topic in recent years, though it seems to have slipped down the agenda with so many crises going on. How does Pöppelmann approach this?
For us, saving resources and protecting the climate are not optional extras, they have been standard practice for a long time. With our PÖPPELMANN blue® initiative, we bring together company-wide measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Within TEKU, we develop Circular360 products that are designed to close the loop. With just a few exceptions, all our products are already recyclable and made from recycled materials. That makes us one of the largest processors of PCR (post-consumer recyclate) in Europe. It shows that conserving resources and protecting the climate are not side projects, but an integral part of our product development.
© Pöppelmann TEKU
From left to right: MCN series, new container solutions; VCL/VCM series, thermoform plant pots; Hanging pot series MAO
How is Pöppelmann shaping its digital orientation for the future and which projects are at the forefront?
We have set up our own Digital Lab to work even better and more efficiently on the development of new, contemporary products and processes. Our customers are welcome to visit us and experience this for themselves. With "MIA", we have also developed our own AI solution, which supports us as a silent, outstanding assistance in a wide range of everyday tasks.
What gives Pöppelmann the confidence to pursue this course so resolutely?
As a family-owned company, Pöppelmann has a strong foundation. Our company group of four divisions serves different markets. We can compensate for any market weaknesses in one area with strengths in another. This enables us to make targeted investments and continue to develop, even in challenging times. As a result, we will remain a reliable partner to our customers in the horticultural industry in the future.
For more information:
Pöppelmann TEKU®
www.poeppelmann.com
