Van der Knaap Groep has introduced Forteco Optimum, a new coco substrate. "Thanks to a recently developed production process that uses the entire husk to produce a high-quality substrate, we can now produce a unique product at our own production sites," the Van der Knaap team explains.
New production process
"Two years ago, we started developing a production process that could produce a new type of coco. This new production process optimally uses all of the coconut husks to create a special coir with unique properties."
The current standard coir is a by-product of the fiber industry, and its availability depends on the demand for fibers. In other words, any changes to the demand for coconut fiber have an immediate impact on the coir supply. "As we have integrated production into our in-house processes, we can now produce coir year-round. And we can respond even better to quality parameters such as the sieve fraction (size and quantity of fibers and fine particles), air content, water absorption capacity, and amount of readily available water," they remark.
The new production process makes Forteco Optimum a raw material suitable for potting soils as well as a coco substrate with a unique composition, the team explains. "Forteco Optimum is currently undergoing extensive trials at our innovation center 'de Kas'. The initial findings and results are very promising."
"When Forteco Optimum is used as a 100% coco substrate, its unique structure, consisting of coir and a high number of short fibers, make it a rapidly drying, airy and therefore an extremely easy to steer substrate."
For more information:
Van der Knaap
www.vanderknaap.info