"Working more sustainably and improving product quality" at Nursery Lankhaar

FEBRUARY 2023

Building an exemplary company and becoming a leader in kalanchoe production was the goal André Lankhaar set when he expanded his business in Bleiswijk. That same ambition led him to invest in Svensson’s ClimaFlow System. This dehumidification and ventilation solution allows Lankhaar to reduce energy use, gain better control over the greenhouse climate, and improve product quality.

In 2002, André Lankhaar and his wife Petra founded Nursery Lankhaar. Raised in a family flower nursery, Lankhaar developed an early connection to horticulture. After completing his formal horticultural education and gaining experience at a kalanchoe nursery, starting his own business became a clear objective. That ambition became reality with the purchase of a 0.9-hectare greenhouse in Bleiswijk, where the company began producing kalanchoes.

A specialized breeding program

Over the years, the company expanded steadily. In 2008, Lankhaar moved operations to a rented site of 3.5 hectares. At the same time, collaboration became a central pillar of the business strategy.

Sales of single- and double-flowered kalanchoes are handled by Bunnik Plants, while breeding activities are carried out in close cooperation with Agriom. Since 2011, this collaboration has resulted in the development of a proprietary breeding program known as Perfecta Breeding. Cuttings are produced in Africa and marketed worldwide.

As Perfecta Breeding grew, the existing facilities became limiting. Lankhaar wanted to bring breeding activities closer to home and create a modern greenhouse that could serve as a reference point for efficient and sustainable kalanchoe cultivation. In November 2021, the company purchased a former five-hectare tomato greenhouse in Bleiswijk and fully converted it for ornamental production.

Dehumidification and ventilation as key design priorities

From the outset, energy efficiency and climate balance were central to the redesign. The greenhouse was equipped with Obscura 10070 R FR W blackout screens on the side walls, Obscura 10070 FR WB+B blackout screens at roof level, and a Luxous 1147 FR energy screen from Svensson.

Initially, air movement was created using growth tubes and by gapping the screens. However, this approach proved energy-intensive and disruptive to climate stability.

“When you gap a screen, it is like pouring cold air into the greenhouse,” explains Lankhaar. “After that, the climate is no longer controllable. We wanted more control, not less.”

To achieve this, the company invested in Svensson’s ClimaFlow System, a dehumidification and ventilation solution designed to operate with fully closed screens.

Vertical ventilation for a stable greenhouse climate

The ClimaFlow System was installed by Voshol Warmte-Elektrotechniek, which also handled the electrical installation. STAS BV adapted the screen installation to integrate the system.

After installation of the VentilationJet, the screen configuration was adjusted to ensure a tight closure around the unit. According to STAS BV, this process was straightforward and smooth. The system works by drawing dry, cool air from above the closed screens through the VentilationJet. This air is then distributed vertically through the greenhouse using the ClimaFlow Fan.

According to Svensson’s Dominique Blok, vertical airflow removes moisture, stimulates evaporation, and creates an active and uniform microclimate. Compared to horizontal fans, vertical ventilation results in a more even greenhouse climate throughout the crop.

Energy savings and crop benefits

One of the key advantages for Nursery Lankhaar has been reduced energy consumption. Because the screens remain closed and gapping is no longer required, energy losses are minimized and the growth tube is no longer needed.

“The greenhouse climate is easier to control,” says Lankhaar. “Screen gaps cause major climate shocks. The crop gets wet and mold can develop. That no longer happens.”

The precise control of fresh air intake has resulted in a more balanced and active crop. Lankhaar notes improvements such as increased bud formation and smaller, more compact leaves. The system can also be used for cooling during summer, drawing cooler air from above the screen. In addition, the fans operate quietly and consume little power.

Investing with confidence

Lankhaar is highly satisfied with the system and plans to equip the remaining greenhouse sections with ClimaFlow over time.

“I can work more sustainably and improve product quality. That is extremely valuable to me.”

He also highlights the importance of dehumidification during long winter days and notes that visiting growers frequently express interest in installing the system themselves.

Quick and efficient commissioning with Climate House guidance

Growers who purchase the ClimaFlow System receive Climate House guidance as part of the package. This support helps ensure a fast and efficient start-up.

At Nursery Lankhaar, Svensson specialist Ton Habraken worked alongside the grower to commission the system, explain the Priva Air Blend Control software, and adjust climate computer settings. Additional fine-tuning followed after start-up.

This guidance allows growers to begin using the system effectively from day one, while avoiding common start-up mistakes.