Hort Americas Partners with Meteor Systems to Exclusively Distribute HDPE Floating Rafts in North America
June 4, 2024 In a move to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of horticultural practices, Hort Americas announced an exclusive partnership with Meteor Systems to distribute their HDPE floating rafts in North America on June 4, 2024.
“Our goal continues to be focused on offering products that last, and we feel this is our best option for cost-effective, sustainable solutions at this point in time,” said Chris Higgins, president and co-founder of Hort Americas. “Offering a durable HDPE floating raft aligns with our commitment to bring more environmentally friendly solutions to the market. These rafts provide a longer lifespan and better insulation capacity than traditional EPS rafts.”
These HDPE floating rafts can be handled both manually and automatically, making them suitable for various farming systems, including deep water culture and vertical farming. The design also allows for customization in plant hole shapes and sizes. This should make for easier plant removal and transplanting.
“Our HDPE floating rafts are engineered to provide higher yields per square meter compared to traditional EPS rafts,” said Bas Dirven, head of research and development at Meteor Systems. “Also, their ability to be fully automated makes them an ideal choice for modern, smart farming environments.”
Meteor Systems’ HDPE Rafts in a Greenhouse | Photo: Meteor Systems
The HDPE floating rafts can be washed with a high-pressure washer and hot water. This makes for a clean start for each growing cycle and helps reduce the risk of disease.
In addition to floating rafts, Meteor Systems’ water culture tabletops for growing leafy greens and herbs combine deep-water culture, nutrient film technique and ebb and flow systems. These tabletops provide plants with direct access to oxygen and nutrients, which should result in faster and healthier growth. The roller container system should also maximize space in controlled environments to enhance efficiency.
“The total cost of ownership for HDPE floating rafts is less than 50% per lettuce head compared to EPS rafts, making them a much more profitable long-term investment,” Dirven added. “This partnership allows North American growers to transition to a more sustainable, cost-effective solution that supports higher yields and reduces environmental impact.”
About Hort Americas
Hort Americas is dedicated to serving the different niches of commercial horticulture. The company works closely with key manufacturers to develop and bring high quality products to greenhouse growers and vertical farmers in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Mexico. Learn more about the company’s commitment, services and products at www.hortamericas.com.
About Meteor Systems
Meteor Systems is a global supplier of complete growing systems for greenhouse farming. The company designs, produces, and delivers innovative solutions that ensure optimal plant growth while minimizing water and fertilizer use. Meteor Systems strives to make products that are sustainable, user-friendly and cost-effective. Learn more about their horticultural solutions at www.meteorsystems.nl.