Limex tray and raft washing machine lowers water use and improves cultivation hygiene at De Kruidenaer

Since 2003, De Kruidenaer in the Netherlands has been growing a number of herbs – around 30 varieties now, and the product range keeps growing, just like the company. Ten years after the company was founded, another big step was taken: deep water cultivation. De Kruidenaer was a frontrunner in this development, which turned out to be a success: deep water cultivation leads to safe, residue-free herbs, and a production that’s more controllable.

Food safety and hygiene are important for De Kruidenaer

In ‘ponds’ in the greenhouse, rafts are used, developed by Meteor Systems, to grow different types of basil hydroponically. Food safety and quality are important principle for De Kruidenaer. Hygiene also plays a major part in this, which is why the grower already had washing machines for the rafts and the trays.

Saving water when washing rafts and trays

In addition to hygiene, saving water is also a major issue in horticulture – water is often called ‘the new gold’, for a good reason. Because the rafts and tray washing machines that were in use at De Kruidenaer consumed a lot of fresh water, paired with limited washing results and high maintenance costs, owner Christ Monden turned to Limex for advice.

80% less water use in the new tray and raft washer 

“Lowering our water use was key for me,” Christ says. “In addition, I didn’t just want to minimize the use, but also the discharge of water.” Limex replaced both washers by 1 new one. The Limex raft and tray washing machine recirculates and filters the water while washing rafts and trays, resulting in an 80-percent decrease in water during this proces.

Christ is happy with the Limex washing machine

The raft and tray washer has been in use for six months now, and Christ is very pleased with it and the communication with Limex. “After I gave Joep Janssen a tour in the greenhouse and shared my wishes, he immediately had an idea of our wishes and the practical applications. That ultimately led to the installation of the washer, which enabled us to save a lot of water. Also nice is that the washer is easy to use: adjusting from one product to another takes only 10 seconds.”