Hazeu Orchids was last year's proud winner of the Greenovation Award. What did winning the award accomplish, and why should participants be sure to register this year? We talk with Chiel Hazeu, co-owner of the family business based in Pijnacker.

The Greenovation Award is presented each year to the grower with the best sustainable innovation in the floriculture industry. For 2022, that was Hazeu Orchids with their hexagonal pot. This hexagonal pot allows 20% more orchids on the same surface area. This better utilisation of space also means 20% more plants on transport and therefore a 20% reduction in energy consumption. ‘A great example of practical, applicable and tangible innovation. Hazeu Orchids is doing the industry a service,’ read the laudatory jury verdict.

Many positive reactions
What did Hazeu Orchids gain from the award? ‘We received many positive responses from the market and a lot of publicity,’ says Chiel, who runs the company together with his brother Sjors. ‘We are finding that our name is now associated with sustainability. That is positive.’

‘We had already been developing the “hexapot” for some time, which we brought into production with our pot supplier, Modiform, starting in 2020. People around us had already known about the product for some time, but after winning the award, we received real recognition and attention. That was fun!’

A new standard for the sector?
‘This will perhaps become the new standard for the sector,’ the judges' verdict read. Can other growers also use the pot? Chiel: ‘Definitely. In any event, I know one grower in the US who will soon switch to the hexapot.’

Hazeu Orchids is working on sustainability in even more ways. ‘Our neighbour built a greenhouse with solar panels on top, and we are leasing a section of those solar panels. Another investment was made this year in electric boilers so that we are less dependent on gas to heat our greenhouses.’

2023 Greenovation Award: Put your product in the spotlight
Growers can still register for the Greenovation Award for this year. Chiel has a tip for growers who are unsure whether their product is suitable. ‘Even if you think your product is very simple, it can still have a big impact on sustainability. So I would definitely register. The Greenovation Award is an excellent way to raise awareness about sustainable products, as well as being easily accessible for growers. And if you win, you get a huge amount of positive response and publicity. So I see only benefits.’

If you know a grower with a sustainable innovation or have developed one yourself, then registration for the 2023 Greenovation Award is still open. Applications can be submitted up until 6 September 2023.