Fluence's collaboration with Dutch plant breeder WPK immediately improves plant quality and uniformity

Westlandse Plantenkwekerij, one of the largest plant propagators in the Netherlands, has implemented a hybrid lighting approach using Fluence’s VYPR fixtures, which has improved the quality and control of environmental factors

AUSTIN, Texas, and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fluence, a leading global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial cannabis and food production, announced today its collaboration with Westlandse Plantenkwekerij (WPK), a leading Dutch propagator specializing in the cultivation of young plants for greenhouse horticulture in Europe.

Founded in the 1930s by Arie van der Arend, WPK is a family-owned business that spans several generations and is currently led by Erik and Eviek, both descendants of the founder. As a plant propagator, WPK oversees the production process of the from seed to plant for vegetable crops and tray plant cultivation for growers throughout Europe. The company’s scientific approach to cultivation has contributed to decades of success, prompting WPK to turn to Fluence to Implement the Very First Lighting System LED is supported by research conducted at its facilities in ‘s-Gravenzande, which are co-owned by Plantenkwekerij P. van Geest.

WPK introduced the Fluence VYPR Series Overhead Fixtures alongside existing high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures to take advantage of the unique control offered by a hybrid lighting approach to optimize environmental factors, including ambient heat control. The hybrid lighting model at WPK’s sites has enabled better management of seasonal growing conditions and energy savings notable figures.

«After implementing Fluence’s LED lighting solutions, we learned that young plants grow well in LED-lit environments,» said Erik van der Arend, CEO of WPK. «This gave us the flexibility to grow a wide variety of crops in the same environment and under the same lighting conditions, which reduced constraints and improved our energy costs. The transition to Fluence helped improve quality and speed plant growth, », which ensures that our customers receive a consistent and consistently excellent product."

In collaboration with the Fluence's horticultural lighting experts, WPK has fine-tuned the LED spectrum to optimize operating costs while maintaining superior quality for the grower’s tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and flower crops. Initial results show that WPK is achieving estimated electricity savings of between 40 and 50 % while using two-thirds fewer light fixtures. LED Fluence and one-third of the high-pressure sodium lamps in the greenhouse. In addition, WPK increased the total lighting levels by 30 % thanks to the overall effectiveness of LED technology. Crops grown after the installation produced more compact, productive, and vigorous plants with darker or more vibrant colors.

«What’s interesting about Fluence’s lighting technology is that it provides adequate cooling—the fixture doesn’t get very hot,» adds Mr. van der Arend. «In addition, the spectrum is widely applicable.».

«When you work with Fluence, you’re not just buying a standalone LED lighting system. You gain access to a network of leading lighting and horticulture experts who can help you create the right conditions to optimize your growing environment,» said Timo Bongartz, Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Fluence. «That’s why we enjoy working with plant breeders like WPK who share our passion for developing innovative strategies in lighting and environmental control.».

For more information about this collaboration, please click here.

About Fluence

Fluence Bioengineering, Inc. (Fluence) develops powerful, energy-efficient LED lighting solutions designed for the cash crop production and research applications. As a leading provider of LED lighting in the global cannabis market, Fluence is committed to enabling more efficient crop production for the world’s top growers, whether in vertical farms or greenhouses. Fluence’s global headquarters is located in Austin, Texas, and the company also has an EMEA headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Fluence operates as a business unit within Signify's Digital Solutions division. To learn more about Fluence, visit www.fluence.science.

About WPK

Westlandse Plantenkwekerij (WPK) specializes in vegetable cultivation for commercial horticulture in greenhouses across Europe. WPK was founded in the 1930s and currently operates four growing sites: two in ‘s-Gravenzande (South Holland) and two in Made (North Brabant). WPK makes the world a little greener by growing vegetable plants (such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers), tray plants, and flowering plants in a pot.

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