World of Orchids strengthens control over light and climate

September 2025

In early 2026, World of Orchids took a significant step in climate control. Four hectares of greenhouse space were equipped with a new screen combination featuring PARperfect. For General Manager Walter van der Spek, the choice was not new: he had previously had positive experiences with PARperfect. Now that the installation has been running for several months, he primarily observes more calm and uniformity in the greenhouse. “The homogeneous light distribution is a major advantage for us. But it is precisely the combination of the different screens that gives us many possibilities.”.

Three screens, more possibilities

Part of the existing screening installation at World of Orchids had become severely outdated and was due for replacement. On four hectares, Walter opted for a combination of a clear Luxous 1147 FR energy screen, a diffuse Harmony PARperfect screen, and an Obscura 9950 FR W light emission screen. Walter collaborated with Svensson climate consultant Bart Bakker on the selection and configuration of the new screening installation. “I have known Bart for about ten years now. He advised us on this project as well.”

Walter talks about the flexibility he experiences with the three screens, which is well-suited to Phalaenopsis cultivation, where a uniform climate and precise light control are important. “With the three screens, we can essentially create any combination we need,” says Walter. “During the day, we can control the light effectively, and at night, we can darken completely.”

More peace and quiet above the industrial hall

Walter observes a striking effect in a two-hectare greenhouse situated above a warehouse. Previously, it was difficult to create the right microclimate there. “We were actually always too dry there. It was hard to retain sufficient moisture. With the clear screen, that works much better. That is a real enrichment for our cultivation.” He also notices a difference when there is a lot of solar radiation during the day. PARperfect distributes the light more diffusely over the crop. “We have much more stability in the climate. The light distribution, especially above that warehouse, is simply much better.”

That is not just a feeling. World of Orchids monitors the plant temperature with sensors and cameras. “We see that the plant temperature stays closer to the room temperature and rises less rapidly.”

Difference visible in the crop

The effects are also becoming visible in the plants themselves. At World of Orchids, the length, number of branches, and buds, among other things, are measured accurately. Walter: “Last year, we really saw a drop in the number of buds per branch during the summer. Now we see that this remains much more consistent compared to the spring.” In doing so, World of Orchids is gaining increasingly better insight into what a more stable climate ultimately means for the crop.

Further sustainable development

Meanwhile, World of Orchids is already looking ahead. Cultivation runs entirely under LED lighting, and Walter expects to be able to connect to geothermal heating by the end of this year. In addition, the company is investigating the possibilities for dehumidification and its own solar park. “If that goes ahead, we can achieve an energy reduction of around 40 to 45 percent with the combination of geothermal heating and the solar park.”

It aligns with Walter's view of the future: continuous improvement, but always from the perspective of cultivation. In this regard, the new screening system is not an end in itself, but a next step towards greater control over light, moisture, and temperature.