Collaboration launched to aid growers in using screens

Hermetic screens are increasingly being used in greenhouses. These screens consist of a woven, airtight structure. They offer clear advantages in terms of energy savings and climate control but also bring challenges: moisture removal and air movement in the crop.

For this reason, Nivola and Phormium are collaborating on a practical research project. Nivola provides its expertise in airflow and Phormium its expertise in screening, supplemented by the joint climate expertise of Plant Empowerment Academy. Using the vertical ventilation of Nivola's Nivolator and Nivolution fans, research is being conducted into how moisture removal can be optimally achieved in combination with Phormium's latest Hermetic Clear screen.

© Phormium

The research focuses specifically on unlit tomato cultivation and is being conducted by Proefcentrum Hoogstraten. The first round of research took place last year. During this period, important experience was gained with the setup of the test department and the control of the climate system therein.

The research will be further refined based on the results. A second round is planned for December 2025, during which the knowledge gained will be deepened and refined.

Phormium CEO, Jerome Lebecque: "It's fantastic to be working with Nivola on an important emerging trend in the market, for which we have a technically differentiated range of products.

Nivola CEO, Marion Lestraden: "Fans and screens reinforce each other, just like Phormium and Nivola in this joint research, to provide growers with a reliable and optimal greenhouse climate."