Growing performance is proven in the greenhouse, not in theory. BVB Substrates has put its Growbags to the test at multiple professional pepper-growing operations in the Netherlands. According to the substrate supplier, the practical results confirm the yields growers can expect from the product.
With more than 100 years of experience developing high-quality substrates for professional horticulture, BVB Substrates has a thorough understanding of the role substrate plays within a growing system. That expertise was applied directly in the development of the BVB Growbags, with yield, water efficiency, and crop reliability as the core objectives.
In the trials, the Growbags were evaluated alongside other commonly used substrates. "The results show equal or higher yields compared to other substrates," says Eddie van de Vijver, Area Sales Manager at BVB Substrates.
© BVB substrates
"The results demonstrate that growers achieve consistently strong crop performance on a BVB Growbag. Notably, none of the trial locations experienced crop losses due to wilt disease. Organic substrates promote a healthy soil life, which contributes to crop resilience. We wanted to demonstrate this not just in theory, but in the grower's own greenhouse, under practical conditions," Van de Vijver adds.
In addition to a reference mix, BVB Substrates tested three experimental variants, each developed around a specific hypothesis relating to biological activity, plant resilience, and sustainability. All mixes performed consistently, with no crop failures, underlining the reliability of the growing system.
© BVB substrates
From practical trials to a future-oriented assortment
The trial results form the foundation for further innovation within the BVB Growbag range. Insights from the initial tests led to targeted product development, including a narrower Growbag with a more open substrate mix, designed to integrate better with standard gutter-based growing systems. Follow-up trials have since been initiated with new substrate compositions, including reed canary grass and biochar. These new solutions are scheduled for large-scale testing in 2026, with the aim of further improving both performance and environmental footprint.
BVB Growbags are composed of a blend of organic raw materials. This combination provides a stable air-to-water ratio and buffering of nutrients and pH, supporting strong root development and stable growing conditions. The raw materials used are carefully selected based on years of expertise in organic substrates.
For more information:
BVB Substrates 
https://www.bvb-substrates.com/nl/
