OVATA is sustainable on various processes within the organization. We continue to innovate through data, learning from other sectors and experimenting.

 

Growing in harmony with nature is important. We want our SuPure® succulents to grow in a natural environment and biologically controlled. We realize that with, for example, the most efficient way of using water, energy and plant protection agents. And at the same time optimize the yield.

It’s not just the inside that counts. We minimize the impact of our waste streams including cardboard, plastic, batteries and plant waste on the environment.

This all results in shiny plants with a strong character. It makes the consumer happy.

 

Growing better, respecting the enviroment

ovata-bedrijf-tweede-teeltlaag

Water Life Cylce

One of the innovations is a 100% closed water system called ‘Water Life Cycle’.Two worlds are combined in this system:

The Japanese koi carp industry that use filters, aeration and movement sewage treatment to clean the water.

There is also a simulated waterfall at OVATA. The waterfall is a natural cleaning mechanism and ends in the biofilter. The bacteria in the lava eat harmful bacteria, virus and fungi. ‘The good eats the bad’. This system makes the water vital and contributes to healthy, strong and happy succulents.

Data-driven cultivation

Data is continuously collected and analyzed during our cultivation process. With these data, we get insights into how the greenhouse conditions influence the growth of our SuPure® succulents.

Growing with data supports our growers in their work. Another benefit is that we are more efficient and durable with resources as water, energy and plant protection products. Moreover, we achieve higher production quality with the help of data.

High-tech climate control systems are used to minimize energy consumption.

Biodiversity

Since December 2021, a piece of land at OVATA has been strewn with flowers and trees have been planted. The goal is to increase the biodiversity around the greenhouse in a way that supports cultivation in the greenhouse. The method is to attract natural enemies of pest insects in the environment around the greenhouse with plants. The functional organisms that are attracted to this are:

  • Flying insects that pollinate flowers and control pests
  • Walking predatory insects that control pests
  • Spiders, they eat insects.
  • Birds, they eat insects.

Focus on energy saving

OVATA’s aim is to use as little energy as possible. The desired quantity of light in the greenhouse is adjusted with the help of two horizontal screen installations to ensure optimal plant growth. At night the screens are closed to provide an insulating value of 75%. On warm days, the height of the greenhouse combined with the ventilation windows provides the ideal cooling.

With our breeding we strongly focus on varieties that require little energy. In addition, since 2021 we have been intensively working on Next Generation Growing, in which we set the climate based on physical laws and data generated by sensors.

We do not use gas to heat the greenhouses! We use residual heat from a power plant for this. OVATA is heated with residual heat from the RoCa power station. OVATA can thus meet its entire heat requirement. This has been elaborated in the Heat Life Cycle.

Creating with care to preserve nature

SuPure® PLANET

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    Waste at OVATA is separated and recycled. Trays are cleaned and cultivation pots reused. The remaining soil is also reused by a flower nursery.

Processing waste materials
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    OVATA uses 99% biological means, the ultimate
    goal is 100% organic.

    OVATA does NOT use neonicotinoids. This is a group of pesticides responsible for bee mortality.

The use of biological pesticides
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    Zero CO2 emissions, we grow our succulents
    with natural CO2.

    Zero gas consumption, but use of residual heat.

    Zero discharge of water, pesticides & fertilizers.

    Organic fertilizers are used in cultivation.

A closed air, gas & water system
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    The On the way to PlanetProof certification proves that the OVATA pure succulents have been produced more sustainably and are therefore better for nature, environment, climate, animals and people. It is an independent quality mark.

One of the first horticultural companies certified On the way to PlanetProof
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    Cardboard trays are manufactured according to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) 2020 standards. The cardboard is 100% recyclable. The grow pot consists of 100% recycled material.

Use of sustainable materials
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    OVATA makes optimal use of the available surface area with a second cultivation tier over the production process. The succulents are also grown on movable containers, which allows for maximum usage of greenhouse area and energy resources.

Efficiency