Growing protect craw in full spectrum daylight is now a reality for the British fruit industry , following the first commercial-grade installation from ETFE experts , RIPE .
ETFE ( ethylene tetrafluoroethylene ) is a flexible glazing textile used to replace deoxyephedrine and polyethylene , transmitting gamy level of light plus the full spectrum of ultraviolet light into the growing field . For the craw , this help to boost important result such as craw health and takings , as well as better vendable qualities , let in perceptiveness , ledge life , and color .
What began as an innovative R&D facility has now translated into industry , following the first commercial installation at a berry producer in Sussex .
Charlie Hancock , Chief Executive Officer of RIPE , say : “ We ’ve been investigating the benefits of ETFE at our research site , the Natural Light Growing Centre , in recent old age .
“ The adeptness , lead alongside agri - tech center Crop Health and Protection ( CHAP ) , is free-base at the University of Warwick ’s Wellesbourne Campus and has trialed a routine of important experimentation to measure the benefit of ETFE ahead of launch into the market .
“ With the support of our suppliers , we ’re delighted to be able to finally apply these inquiry erudition and to support a agriculturalist to change the sustainability of berry grow through foundation in twist material . ”
away from benefits for craw health and return , EFTE is recyclable and long - persistent , stand firm extreme weather conditions such as hail . Whereas glass might break and contaminate a crop or injure the workforce , ETFE mitigates jeopardy and is well repairable .
It also has self - cleaning properties , meaning once establish , the surface structure ensures that wind and rain are sufficient to take scandal . When no longer involve , it is to the full reusable or reclaimable and can be melt down and repurposed into new fluoropolymer products .
For the commercial installing , the RIPE team re - garment an survive 4000sqm fixed polytunnel body structure , take around ten years to finish the chore .
Research into the engineering go on at the Natural Light Growing Centre , including the RIPEHouse project – combining the welfare of ETFE and natural Inner Light growing with bespoke biostimulant formulations .
For more information : CHAP[email protected]www.chap - solutions.co.uk
