CleanLight, a Dutch supplier of UV-C solutions for crop protection, has resumed operations following a bankruptcy in 2025. Former employees have taken over the activities and relaunched the company, aiming to ensure continuity for growers and supply chain partners.
"Continuity for growers and partners is our main priority," says Arjo van der Sluis, account manager and co-owner. Together with Bas Maassen, lead engineer and co-owner, he decided to restart the company's activities and give CleanLight a new impulse.
© CleanLightArjo van der Sluis, Bas Maassen, and Damian van Dijk
Restart
After the company filed for bankruptcy in 2025, Van der Sluis and Maassen chose to continue the business to serve its established customer base.
"This was the best solution for all parties," Van der Sluis explains. "Our core team has remained intact, which means our know-how and support are safeguarded. Customers can rely on continuity." Former owner Aiking is no longer involved in CleanLight.
Successful continuation
The first new projects have already been initiated. CleanLight has carried out partner projects with companies including Rijk Zwaan, Bejo and Enza.
"We have also added customers in North and South America to our order portfolio," says Van der Sluis. The company expects demand to continue to grow. "We see a strong increase in demand for smart UV systems. CleanLight clearly meets a market need."
CleanLight UV-C crop protection
CleanLight provides UV-C solutions aimed at crop protection and quality improvement. The objective is to reduce disease pressure, improve product quality and strengthen natural plant resilience.
"Demand for practical, sustainable alternatives is increasing rapidly due to the transition to LED lighting, a shrinking crop protection product package and stricter retail and market requirements," Van der Sluis says. "Growers are sometimes struggling to find effective solutions. It is rewarding to be able to make a difference."
More and more fixed installations in the greenhouse
CleanLight is known for UV-C applications mounted on spray booms and robots, but the company reports a clear shift towards fixed greenhouse installations. With its CleanLight Fixed concept, the team develops a tailored light plan for each site, aligned with the crop, logistics and labour processes.
"We always start with an inventory and measurements where needed," explains Bas Maassen. "This is followed by a light plan and practical implementation, so that the system works effectively in daily cultivation."
In addition to crop protection, CleanLight supplies UV-C solutions for air and water treatment, material disinfection and post-harvest applications, focusing on disease control and quality preservation throughout the supply chain.
Continuity, support, and parts
With the restart, the team aims to provide assurance to both existing and new customers. "Customers must be able to rely on support, advice and spare parts to keep installations performing optimally," says Damian van Dijk, sales representative at CleanLight.
Case example: Downy mildew in basil
An example from Spain illustrates the application of UV-C in practice. A basil grower faced significant losses due to downy mildew. After introducing specific UV-C protocols in the following crop cycle, losses were reduced to a minimum. The grower also reported improved crop compactness and overall quality.
"The best outcome is when a customer sees clear results and recommends us within their network," Van der Sluis concludes. "The sector is small; trust and proven results are essential."
For more information:
CleanLight
+31 317 497 620
[email protected]
www.cleanlight.nl
