Today, the Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award 2025 was presented to Handelskwekerij Bruinen BV during the Trade Fair Aalsmeer for the most sustainable innovation in floriculture this year. With their spider system for biological crop protection, they impressed the jury with impact, innovation, and feasibility. Holla Roses BV / Ziway Roses PLC and J&P ten Have took second and third place respectively with their inspiring circular and technological solutions for a more sustainable floriculture sector.

Tiny, lightning-fast spiders that build nests in crops, reproduce on their own, and naturally combat pests such as thrips and aphids. That’s what earned Handelskwekerij Bruinen BV first place in the Sustainability Award. The company introduces an innovative approach to biological crop protection, using mini-spiders as natural allies. The result: a significant reduction in crop protection chemicals. This makes a big difference for people, the environment, and the future of horticulture. The jury was highly impressed by this innovation: “It’s a promising concept that not only helps reduce chemical use but also gives spiders a positive image boost.”

Discover the innovation: Little Spider. 

Circular Flower Cultivation
Holla Roses BV, operating in Ethiopia under the name Ziway Roses PLC, also received an award. All green waste is converted into compost, biogas, and vermicompost within a fully circular system. This creates fertile soils, clean energy, and lower emissions. It shows that flower cultivation should not only be beautiful but also sustainable, with attention to people, the environment, and long-term impact. The jury praised this initiative: “These kinds of innovations are scalable and can be applied to other nurseries, meaning Holla Roses BV / Ziway Roses PLC not only improves its own operations but also contributes to a more sustainable international floriculture sector.”

Discover the innovation: Circular Flower Cultivation.

Natural Growth Regulation
A great example of how technology can drive sustainable growth and prepare floriculture for the future is Sprayventive by J&P ten Have. This innovative system uses UVC light and sensor technology for natural growth regulation and biological crop protection. The innovation ensures strong and uniform plant growth without chemical growth inhibitors. J&P ten Have was awarded third place in the Sustainability Award: “A newly developed system that combines precision technology and sustainability in horticulture. It reduces the use of chemical growth inhibitors through UVC growth regulation and works preventively against pests and insecticides. By treating each plant individually and all around, the efficiency of biological agents is maximized, giving growers an environmentally friendly, effective solution.”

Discover the innovation: Natural Growth Regulation.

Connecting Innovation and Impact
David van Mechelen, CEO of Royal FloraHolland: “With the Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award, we aim not only to reward innovators but also to inspire the sector. The three winners show that sustainability in floriculture is not just about environmental gains but also about people, collaboration, and future resilience. They are the pioneers driving change in the sector.”

Prestigious Award and Direct Support
This year marks the ninth time the award has been presented, but for the first time under its new name: Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award, exclusively for member growers. The new award places a broader focus on sustainability, social responsibility, responsible entrepreneurship, and technological innovation. The top three winners receive, in addition to a prestigious trophy, practical support and guidance to further develop their sustainable initiatives in communication.

Entries were evaluated by an independent jury of experts from science, retail, sustainability, and sector organizations, including Koos Biesmeijer (Naturalis), Jacqueline Kroon (Glastuinbouw Nederland), Siem Haffmans (Partners for Innovation), Maartje Beem – Vullings (FruitMasters), Maarten Bánki (Royal FloraHolland), and Elise Wieringa (Intratuin). Public voting also counted for 30% of the final score.