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Limex unveils Modular 8 washing system for crates. (Image credit: Limex)

Limex has unveiled its latest innovation in industrial washing technology with the introduction of the Modular 8, a highly flexible and configurable washing machine platform designed for crates, seed trays, flower buckets and floats.

The new line marks a significant shift towards modular engineering, allowing customers to build exactly the washing solution they need using standardised components rather than costly custom-built systems.

Unlike traditional crate and tray washers that often require extensive engineering work to meet specific customer requirements, the Modular 8 is built from individual modules that connect seamlessly into a single washing line. These include pre-wash units, one or more main wash modules, rinse sections and blow-off units. This modular approach enables users to tailor the system precisely to their operational layout, hygiene standards and processing capacity.

By installing multiple main wash modules in sequence, the system increases soaking time and washing power, delivering higher throughput without compromising cleaning performance. Each standard module also offers multiple configuration options, such as higher-pressure pumps or advanced filtration technologies. The platform supports both left-hand and right-hand configurations, ensuring maximum flexibility for different production environments.

"With the Modular 8, we make it easier to choose exactly the configuration that matches the customer's capacity, hygiene requirements, and budget," says Joep Janssen, owner of Limex. "Our engineers have designed the machines in such a way that they follow each other seamlessly."

With a tunnel width of 800 millimetres, the Modular 8 is suitable for a broad range of applications, including harvest crates, seed trays, flower buckets and DWC floats. The system has also been designed with maintenance efficiency in mind. Improved accessibility of components simplifies cleaning, inspection and servicing, helping to reduce downtime and improve overall operational efficiency.

The Modular 8 builds on Limex’s reputation for proven, high-quality engineering. Constructed from robust stainless steel, the platform delivers durability, reliability and long service life. Twelve Modular 8 lines are already in operation across multiple countries, demonstrating strong market acceptance.

This launch sets the foundation for future developments, with the Modular 10, Modular 14 and Modular 18 planned to follow. These larger, configurable models will eventually replace Limex’s existing cart washers and big box washers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to modular, future-ready industrial washing solutions.

The initiative is part of the PDTS call.(Image credit: INTA)

INTA and the National University of La Matanza (UNLAM) are working on the optimisation and fine-tuning of a compact, controlled and affordable hydroponic system designed to enable the domestic production of fresh food in small spaces and under variable climatic conditions.

The prototype builds on the experience gained through the Antarctic Hydroponic Production Module (MAPHI).

INTA and UNLAM are jointly developing a module aimed at facilitating vegetable production in reduced spaces, regardless of external climatic variability. The goal is for the final prototype to be economically accessible and simple enough to be used by anyone in a household setting.

The project originates from the know-how developed through MAPHI, a system designed to produce vegetables under the extreme conditions of Antarctica. Drawing on that experience, INTA Santa Cruz, in collaboration with the National University of La Matanza, is now adapting and optimising the technology at a smaller scale, specifically targeted at domestic use.

Jorge Birgi, researcher at the INTA Santa Cruz Experimental Station, said,"we were able to design a production module that condenses the technologies used in the Antarctic system, while adding new features. Given the scale, this is a module that allows a family to produce their own food."

The initial objective was to transform a highly complex system, originally conceived for hostile and isolated environments, into a compact, efficient and economically accessible prototype capable of producing fresh food in limited spaces and under variable climatic conditions.

Martín Díaz, project director overseeing the optimisation phase,said, "this collaboration will provide technical tools that strengthen the prototype and make it possible to reach the goal of developing a product that can be commercialised."

Among its defining features, Díaz explained that "the module is designed to produce vegetables independently of external environmental conditions. It controls all key variables — temperature, light and nutrients  to ensure production regardless of location."

During its deployment in Antarctica, the MAPHI project led to the development of a complete technological package. This included compatible substrates, specific seed types, seed treatments and dedicated protocols. A tailored nutrient solution adapted to Antarctic conditions was also developed, along with a monitoring system incorporating sensors and custom-designed electronic boards. These components allowed data to be collected, processed and presented in a way that was easy for operators to interpret.

At this stage, efforts are focused on transforming MAPHI's technologies into a product that can be utilised by society and the productive sector. In other words, the project that proved capable of producing vegetables under extreme Antarctic conditions is now being used as a springboard for the development of commercial products.

In this regard, Birgi noted that "to achieve this objective, the MAPHI team developed a reduced-size prototype that incorporates new functionalities, making it easier to operate in a domestic environment."

Through the joint project, INTA and UNLAM will now contribute a business plan aimed at turning the prototype developed by the Santa Cruz Experimental Station into a commercial product. This phase will include a market study to identify potential user profiles, as well as the development of an intuitive interface allowing the system to be managed via a mobile phone application.

The final outcome will consist of a series of technical documents defining target users, the final price of the production system, the data collection platform to be used, and the materials required for construction.

The initiative is part of the Technological and Social Development Project (PDTS) call, a joint programme promoted by Argentina's National Interuniversity Council (CIN) and the European Union (UNIUEAR).

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. (Image credit:Hydroponic Systems)

Hydroponic Systems is helping greenhouse growers tackle the challenge of optimising microclimates without compromising light or productivity.

In warm regions, particularly for heat-sensitive crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers, managing radiation, temperature, and heat stress is critical. Heat-diffusing mesh has become an essential tool in balancing light levels and reducing heat buildup inside greenhouses, proving to be one of the most effective solutions for these challenges.

The mesh works by partially blocking infrared radiation while allowing useful diffuse light to pass through. This reduces internal temperatures, alleviates heat stress, and sustains photosynthetic activity. According to Hydroponic Systems, this approach helps "improve fruit quality, reduce plant stress, and stabilise growing conditions," especially during periods of high radiation.

The mesh achieves this through a combination of light diffusion and thermal reflection. The diffusion process disperses light, preventing hot spots and ensuring even distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) across the plant canopy. This enables middle and lower leaves to contribute more effectively to photosynthesis. Aluminium particles embedded in the polymer structure reflect infrared radiation, which helps control heat accumulation. The result is a more stable greenhouse environment with fewer temperature spikes.

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. This patented fabric creates an effective thermal barrier without compromising light quality. According to the company, it works best in professional greenhouses of around half a hectare or more, where managing temperature and radiation is crucial for maintaining high yield and quality.

In practice, reduced infrared radiation leads to lower heat accumulation and fewer temperature fluctuations, especially during critical growth stages. Increased diffuse light improves PAR distribution, supports stable photosynthesis, and reduces the risk of heat stress. As a result, growers experience "more uniform fruit, fewer deformities, and better colour and firmness."

Strawberries, in particular, show significant benefits, with improved uniformity, firmness, colour, and crop stability. Similar positive trends have been observed in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other crops.

For optimal performance, proper installation is key. Correct height, tension, and orientation affect the mesh's effectiveness. Hydroponic Systems advises careful integration with ventilation systems for best results.

LUBING GreenTec Plastic Pads are engineered for long-term durability.

As climate volatility continues to challenge modern horticulture, greenhouse operators are increasingly turning to advanced evaporative cooling technologies to maintain consistent growing conditions.

LUBING GreenTec’s Fogging- and Pad-Systems are designed to deliver precise climate control, supporting healthier crops, improved yields, and sustainable greenhouse management.

At the heart of the solution is high-pressure fogging technology. “LUBING GreenTec's high-pressure Fogging-Systems use direct evaporative cooling by injecting water at 70–100 bar through specialized nozzles, producing droplets smaller than five micrometers," Alexander Eugen, Deputy Head of Sales and Export at LUBING GreenTec, explains. "These droplets evaporate rapidly, lowering air temperature and raising humidity without wetting the plants."

By enabling ultra-fast evaporation, the system helps stabilise the vapour pressure deficit (VPD), a key metric in reducing plant stress and unlocking maximum growth potential. Thanks to its modular configuration, the fogging system can be tailored to greenhouses of varying sizes and adapted to diverse climatic zones. It can operate as a standalone solution or in combination with pad cooling, allowing growers to fine-tune conditions across different greenhouse areas.

Pad cooling applies the same evaporative cooling principle through a different process. “Air is drawn through wetted pads, and as part of the water evaporates, the air is cooled and humidified,” he explains. “Our water distribution ensures even wetting across the pad surface, which enhances cooling efficiency while reducing energy use.”

LUBING GreenTec Plastic Pads are engineered for long-term durability. Their advanced material structure supports uniform water flow, resists UV exposure, and allows cleaning with high-pressure washers, significantly extending lifespan compared to conventional paper pads.

Automation plays a crucial role in efficiency. “Both the Fogging- and Pad-Systems integrate seamlessly with climate computers, which process temperature and humidity sensor data to trigger activation automatically,” he notes. “Our systems also support zone control, so different areas of the greenhouse respond independently to local conditions. This enables growers to coordinate fogging or pad cooling with ventilation, shading, and CO₂ delivery for optimal results.”

Durability and ease of maintenance remain central to the design philosophy. “Components are made from stainless steel to resist corrosion, while modular pump assemblies and clip-profile pad mounts simplify servicing.” He adds, “In practice, growers report that our systems require relatively little maintenance, and our technical support helps minimize downtime.”

Proven results reinforce the value of these systems. A tomato greenhouse in Mexico recorded a yield increase of around 25% under extreme heat, alongside a 15–25% reduction in operating costs. Across Europe, flower growers in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland have maintained ideal humidity levels of 50–80%, improving crop quality and streamlining climate management.

Sustainability remains a key focus. The high-pressure fogging system maximises evaporation, reducing overall water consumption, while the Plastic Pad-System is manufactured from recycled materials and designed with low-pressure loss to cut fan energy use—making LUBING GreenTec a future-ready choice for climate-smart greenhouses.

 

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Reduco emerged as the successor, operating as the production arm of the cooperative Beyond Wood. (Image credit: Greenport West-Holland)

Agriculture

Turning eggplant residuals into high-performance construction panels may sound unconventional, but Dutch innovator Reduco is proving that circular building solutions can come from the most unexpected places.

According to Greenport West-Holland, these panels are fully circular, moisture resistant and fire safe, offering a promising alternative to conventional construction materials. Founder Wilfried Martens now hopes the market will adopt the product, enabling large-scale production in the coming years.

Martens did not originally come from the construction sector. After working as a dairy farmer, he decided to leave agriculture behind and pursue a new direction. A chance encounter with eggplant nursery Greenbrothers in Zevenbergen sparked an innovative idea: could residual streams from eggplant cultivation be transformed into durable building panels? This question led to the creation of Nova Lignum thirteen years ago. Although that company eventually went bankrupt, the concept itself proved resilient.

Reduco emerged as the successor, operating as the production arm of the cooperative Beyond Wood. The cooperative’s mission is to add value to agricultural residual streams for the construction industry. Initial success came from using willow residuals, and once that process was proven, the earlier eggplant concept was revived as a next step towards fully circular construction materials.

Wilfried Martens explained the reasoning behind this structure, and said, "It is important to create a high-quality building material to compete in construction, because you are dealing with competition from current products. By working together in a chain, you can create value together and strengthen each other. That is why the entire chain is represented in the cooperative Beyond Wood. It is a way to work together towards social goals and find better solutions than each on their own."

The collaboration with Greenbrothers was built on trust and shared innovation. Processing eggplant stems presented technical challenges, particularly the need for intensive manual preparation.

For now, production is paused, but momentum is building. The eggplant initiative is also featured on the Bioboost platform, which connects and promotes biobased innovations within horticulture, reinforcing the role of plant-based residuals in the future of sustainable construction.

The future of marine resources.

Aquaculture

The Philippines is intensifying its efforts to ratify a landmark international treaty aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), reinforcing its commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable marine resource management

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has pledged full support to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in promoting the Senate’s concurrence to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Signed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the BBNJ treaty addresses the conservation and equitable use of marine resources in high seas and other regions beyond exclusive national control.

Although Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President ratified the agreement in 2024-a year after its global adoption - the treaty still requires Senate concurrence before the Philippines can officially participate.

Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Agriculture Secretary emphasised the agreement's relevance for the Philippines, said, “The BBNJ Agreement is crucial for conserving and sustainably managing marine biodiversity in areas beyond the Philippines’ jurisdiction, allowing the country to safeguard its rich marine ecosystems while ensuring fair access to and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.”

As a nation composed of over 7,000 islands and located near areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), the Philippines has a strong stake in the treaty’s success. It was an early signatory and active participant in the negotiation process, aligning with global conservation goals and the principles of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.

Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate stressed the strategic timing of the ratification: once approved by the Senate, the Philippines will be eligible to participate in the first Conference of Parties (COP1). This milestone event is expected to take place shortly after 60 countries submit their ratification instruments to the United Nations. As of late August, 55 nations have completed the process, with momentum building towards reaching the required threshold during the UN General Assembly from September 23–26.

The BBNJ treaty represents a critical tool for archipelagic nations like the Philippines—not only to influence global marine governance but also to safeguard marine ecosystems, promote fair benefit-sharing, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on ocean resources.

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. (Image credit:Hydroponic Systems)

Equipment

Hydroponic Systems is helping greenhouse growers tackle the challenge of optimising microclimates without compromising light or productivity.

In warm regions, particularly for heat-sensitive crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers, managing radiation, temperature, and heat stress is critical. Heat-diffusing mesh has become an essential tool in balancing light levels and reducing heat buildup inside greenhouses, proving to be one of the most effective solutions for these challenges.

The mesh works by partially blocking infrared radiation while allowing useful diffuse light to pass through. This reduces internal temperatures, alleviates heat stress, and sustains photosynthetic activity. According to Hydroponic Systems, this approach helps "improve fruit quality, reduce plant stress, and stabilise growing conditions," especially during periods of high radiation.

The mesh achieves this through a combination of light diffusion and thermal reflection. The diffusion process disperses light, preventing hot spots and ensuring even distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) across the plant canopy. This enables middle and lower leaves to contribute more effectively to photosynthesis. Aluminium particles embedded in the polymer structure reflect infrared radiation, which helps control heat accumulation. The result is a more stable greenhouse environment with fewer temperature spikes.

Hydroponic Systems recommends the Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh as a proven solution. This patented fabric creates an effective thermal barrier without compromising light quality. According to the company, it works best in professional greenhouses of around half a hectare or more, where managing temperature and radiation is crucial for maintaining high yield and quality.

In practice, reduced infrared radiation leads to lower heat accumulation and fewer temperature fluctuations, especially during critical growth stages. Increased diffuse light improves PAR distribution, supports stable photosynthesis, and reduces the risk of heat stress. As a result, growers experience "more uniform fruit, fewer deformities, and better colour and firmness."

Strawberries, in particular, show significant benefits, with improved uniformity, firmness, colour, and crop stability. Similar positive trends have been observed in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other crops.

For optimal performance, proper installation is key. Correct height, tension, and orientation affect the mesh's effectiveness. Hydroponic Systems advises careful integration with ventilation systems for best results.

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. (Image credit: New Holland)

Machinery & Equipment

New Holland Agriculture continues to set new standards in modern viticulture with its acclaimed Braud grape harvester range - a series celebrated globally for precision, productivity and long-lasting reliability.

Built on decades of specialist expertise, the Braud brand has become synonymous with exceptional grape-harvesting performance, and under the New Holland umbrella it remains a trusted partner for winemakers seeking both efficiency and gentle crop handling.

Each Braud harvester reflects a signature blend of engineering excellence and vineyard-friendly design. The machines are created to treat vines with care while delivering powerful harvesting capability, ensuring that grapes are collected cleanly and with minimal damage. This focus on protecting fruit integrity directly enhances vineyard productivity and supports the production of higher-quality wines.

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. With both high-capacity and extra-high-capacity models, including the popular 9000 L and 9000 X series, the range adapts effortlessly to narrow boutique vineyards, expansive commercial estates, and even sloped terrain. Their advanced systems  such as the industry-proven Noria basket conveying system, optional destemmer technology, and innovative side-conveyor configurations  ensure consistently clean, gentle and efficient fruit handling.
This adaptability makes Braud harvesters an ideal choice for growers looking to streamline operations while maintaining strict quality standards. Backed by a global legacy and trusted by thousands of vineyard operators, these machines are built to deliver season after season, reducing labour needs, improving harvest speed, and preserving overall vine health.

Engineered for durability and operator comfort, the Braud range combines robust construction with intuitive controls, offering ease of use without compromising on precision. The result is a harvester that not only boosts productivity but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, helping vineyards reduce waste and optimise long-term output.

Choosing a Braud grape harvester means investing in a heritage of innovation, reliability and world-leading vineyard technology  giving growers confidence in every harvest and reinforcing New Holland’s reputation as a champion of next-generation viticulture solutions.