Take a look at the tools cutting down on plastic waste

In response to a greater push for sustainability in controlled environment agriculture, growers continue to explore new ways to reduce plastic waste.

For crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, traditional decisions on which cropping accessories to use can often create disposal challenges. Yet new research in zero-waste options offers promising alternatives.

The report, Alternative Cultivation Techniques for Zero-Waste Cultivation of Tomato, Pepper, and Cucumber in High Wire, provides guidance for growers aiming to align their operations with sustainability goals. Backed by the Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Flemish government, the findings are based on trials that evaluated eco-friendly solutions.

One key focus area was the use of alternative clips. Traditional polypropylene (PP) clips — used to secure plants to crop twine — create significant plastic waste because they are difficult to separate from plant remains for composting.

A promising solution is the TomSystem's metal rings, which oxidize during composting. They clamp around ropes and plants using an electronic handheld clipping system. The rings' clamping strength is adjustable, making them compatible with various rope thicknesses.

While transitioning to the system has a slight learning curve, the report notes that the process becomes quicker over time (10% faster at the end of cucumber cultivation, with Hort Americas reporting up to 30% improvements). Additionally, the system reduces maintenance tasks, so there's long-term labor savings too.

Another benefit is that the TomSystem works with biodegradable ropes. This results in a fully compostable tying system that simplifies waste management.

Besides the TomSystem, the report highlights the Qlipr system as another solution for reducing waste. Developed by Pellikaan, this ropeless tying system eliminates traditional ropes and clips. Instead, metal hooks (PlanthooQs) and foam-padded clamps (Qliprs) are used to secure plants. All components can be reused after proper cleaning.

Although the Qlipr system requires an adjustment to standard workflows, the report states that it can yield substantial labor savings over time. For instance, in cucumber cultivation, growers experienced a 10% reduction in labor costs by the end of the trial. This is due to the ability to combine multiple tasks in one operation, such as lowering, fixing and horizontally shifting plants, as well as pruning the fruits/bunches.

Another advantage of the Qlipr system is its adaptability. It fits the natural growth of high-wire crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers.

Yet there are concerns about disease transmission and the reusability of foam components. These risks, however, can be minimized with proper hygiene protocols, such as steaming or replacing the foam pads.

Ultimately, tools such as the TomSystem and Qlipr mark a critical step toward zero-waste agriculture. These innovations help reduce plastic use and simplify waste management. They can also enhance labor efficiency, strengthening their value in creating a more sustainable future for controlled environment agriculture.

Source: Hort Americas