Sustainability

In the Netherlands, we have a fairly intensive cultivation with quite a lot of energy input, allowing us to produce a lot on limited space. Nevertheless, we are aiming to save 50% electricity consumption by 2027 compared to 2020 levels.

This is very challenging, but we think it can be achieved by switching to LED lighting in all our greenhouses that have lighting.

We also have combined heat and power plants at every location in the Netherlands, which produce electricity, heat and CO2. Very efficiently through gas input. Here, too, we want to work with green energy sources and our goal is for five locations to have heat and CO2 sources from the outside in 2027.

Fewer CO2 emissions

Heating and lighting the greenhouse takes energy and we are aware of the negative impact this has on the climate. We try to reduce our energy consumption and CO2 emissions as much as possible. For instance, on the one hand, we choose alternative energy sources such as solar energy and geothermal heat as much as possible, and on the other hand, we use residual heat from other industries. We want to be climate neutral by 2040.

We give the plant exactly what it needs. The plants grow on special growing mats or substrates. Using these growing mats, we do not deplete the soil. Moreover, we prevent soil diseases and ensure that water, nutrients and crop protection products do not end up in nature. At the end of cultivation, the growing mats are fully recyclable.

Our plants grow with water and nutrition. In our greenhouses, we can give just the right amount of water. We also recirculate the water to prevent water scarcity.

The water we use is rainwater that we collect throughout the year. We need as much water in a year as there is rainfall. Via a drip line, just the right amount of water reaches the plant at the right time. The water the plant does not absorb is recaptured and reused. Not a drop of water goes to waste. We waste nothing and discharge nothing to surface water either. We call this recirculation, and it is a highly efficient way of using water.

Natural pollination by bumblebees

To produce a tomato, it is necessary for the flower of the tomato plant to be pollinated. In a more natural environment, the tomato plant's pollen is released by the wind and a variety of insects. In the greenhouse, this process can be mimicked by tapping the tomato plant or by using bumblebees. The bumblebees live in the bumblebee nesting boxes placed in the greenhouse. As the tomato flower contains no nectar, food in the form of sugar water is offered in the bumblebee hives. The horticulturist closely monitors whether enough tomatoes are formed. If not, additional bumblebees are deployed.

Green crop protection

This is because the aim is to protect the crop from diseases and pests. This process is an art in itself. Crop protection is used as early as when the plants are being raised. The grower adds dosed 'good' viruses to the plants to prevent 'bad' viruses during the growing season. If the plants arrive new in the greenhouse, yellow sticky traps are hung to prevent a well-known pest, whitefly. Eggs of natural enemies are also hung directly between the plants to create a good balance in terms of insects in the greenhouse, thereby minimising the use of green crop protection products. The vast majority of applications at Lans are organic crop protection products.

Less and more sustainable packaging. No plastic waste and no wastage.

We strive for circularity from soil to mouth. This not only means using as little water as possible and being energy-conscious when it comes to cultivation, but also committing to recyclable packaging and packaging made of recycled materials. Our goal is that by 2030, 100% of our packaging will be recyclable and suitable for reuse as much as possible. An important starting point is to prevent food wastage due to spoilage or damage. We do not package products that can take a beating without packaging or that will be eaten within a short time. We do package products that are vulnerable. This way, the products have a longer shelf life and we prevent food waste. The impact of food waste is much greater than the impact of packaging.

Responsible transport.

Our products are transported from our greenhouse to packing stations and from the packing stations to the customer. We aim to produce as few CO2 emissions as possible in the process.

• We minimise transport movements by maximising truck loading

• We work with transport partners who drive fuel-efficient trucks and ensure minimal emissions