million kilograms of plant waste
Roel Steijvers
Biology Specialist
Research shows that the color yellow makes us happier. That's why the yellow cherry vine is my favorite tomato!
Residual streams
Our impact
This pillar is an area of our industry that does not get the attention it deserves. Large volumes of unusable tomatoes are disposed of each year, in addition to the plant waste released during a crop changeover. There are currently several challenges that need to be overcome in this pillar.
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tons of tomato waste
Our waste stream
in the greenhouse
The tomato plant belongs to the nightshade family,
so its green parts are toxic to humans and animals.
Ripe waste tomatoes in themselves are not toxic,
but the pedicel and sepal are (the green crown
at the top). This forms a bottleneck for machine
processing. The plant’s origin also limits the
recycling and upcycling options that are available,
due to the material’s toxic nature. Crop wire also
complicates processing. A mature tomato plant can
grow to between 15 and 20 metres in length.
Residual streams
in the future
During cultivation, the plant is looped into a crop wire that hangs from a hook at the top of the greenhouse. The crop wire is made of nylon (a plastic) because this material holds up well when exposed to sunlight and moisture during an entire growing season. However, this wire results in a contaminated waste stream at the time of the crop changeover. This is because the nylon is intertwined with the plant material. Alternative crop wires made from organic materials exist and are also satisfactory, but their cost is three times higher. At the moment customers are simply not prepared to pay for this additional operating expense.
Residual streams in the future
Based on our vision of the future for residual streams,
we will start a discussion with our customers on
this topic. We are also investigating valorisation
opportunities that will end the current wastage.
For example, we are currently participating in
several pilot schemes to determine which valuable
substances can be recovered from these residual
streams. Possible uses include fertilisers, food
products and colourants, or possibly even the
cosmetics, construction or pharmaceutical sectors
if high-value substances can be recovered.
Converting waste streams into high-quality products is our goal!
Meet Rob
A green hero
My name is Rob Reinders. I am responsible for crop cultivation at one of Wim Peters Kwekerijen’s four growing locations. My passion for nature not only expresses itself in my work but also in my other interests.
During my childhood years, I always enjoyed being a member of the youth IVN (Dutch Institute for Nature Conservation Education). This foundation provides nature education to young and old. I took home everything I used to find in the woods. Ranging from bones to mosses.
Later on, I worked as a volunteer at the bird shelter in Someren. I did this for 7 years until the bird shelter moved to another place.
Click the button to watch my video!
Green heroes
Our specialists
