Levoplant, Ter Laak, Opti-flor and Solvent Engineering worked together to develop Potweb, and successfully. They may call themselves the proud winner of the Greenovation Award 2023. "Erwin van Vliet, Manager Cultivation & Assortment Levoplant "Winning this award has given me and the floriculture sector a lot"


The Greenovation Award is presented each year by Royal FloraHolland to the grower, or collaboration of growers and developers, with the best sustainable innovation in the floriculture sector. Potweb is designed to provide an environmentally friendly way to control potworm when growing Phalaenopsis orchids. The material, which is as thin as tights, is mechanically stretched over the pot and is impervious to mosquitoes. In this way, no chemical pesticides need to be used.

How did you come up with the idea for Potweb?

"I started seven years ago. At first I was still thinking about using biological pesticides, but I soon came back to the chicken-and-egg story; if the mosquito can't lay eggs in the pot, no control is needed. I tried all kinds of cover ways. It turned out that I could grow a good plant without pesticides. Then came the problem of getting the cover around the pot with the plant in it. With Solvent and two more growers, Ter Laak and Opti-Flor, we embarked on a trajectory to solve this. Three years later we succeeded. We have now been using Potweb since 2023 and for about ten weeks the first orchids have been delivered with Potweb."

What happened to Potweb after winning the Greenovation Award?

"Not only we use Potweb, but we have introduced the idea to the entire orchid industry. If other plant species want to use it, I'm happy to share the idea with them for free. For me, the goal of participating is also to inspire other companies with solutions they can use as well."

Will you be applying for the Greenovation Award again this year?

"In the meantime I am working on another new idea so maybe we will apply again in a few years."

Why should others apply for this Award?

"For me it's especially important to pass along to others that you shouldn't give up. I tried so much with Potweb and eventually you come to a solution. Through the Greenovation Award you get more exposure for your innovation, which makes it easier for others to implement it. I think as a company you shouldn't be afraid to share your solutions anyway. I see around me that more and more companies are collaborating, and they should. Together you can really make a difference and take faster and bigger steps."

Got enthusiastic? Then sign up now yourself!
Do you also put the focus on sustainability and are you working on an innovative sustainable product or concept? Then register your innovation before August 31 and make sure your product or concept is in the spotlight!