Circular greenhouse horticulture
About this expertise
In short- Identifying renewable and alternative resources
- Analysing material flows for optimal reuse
- Testing circular technologies in greenhouses
- Redesigning systems to reduce waste and use renewables
- Quantifying impact and benchmarking circular performance
Together with the horticultural sector, we are shaping a circular future for greenhouse production — closing resource loops, reusing materials and harnessing renewable inputs for efficient, waste-free and resilient cultivation systems.
Greenhouse horticulture is one of the world’s most efficient production systems. Modern greenhouses already recirculate water and nutrients, minimising nutrient and crop protection product losses to surface water. Yet even the best-performing businesses still depend on finite resources such as natural gas for energy, phosphate for fertilisers and peat for growing media. This dependency carries risks: rising costs, limited availability and environmental impact.
Wageningen University & Research is working with growers, technology providers and supply chain partners to create a circular future: one without waste streams and with maximum reuse of water, nutrients, CO₂, growing media, biomass and plastics. We explore alternative sources, design circular cultivation systems, and test innovations directly in our research and demonstration greenhouses in Bleiswijk.
By doing so, we help companies reduce their vulnerability to market fluctuations, lower their environmental footprint and strengthen their competitive position. We prepare the sector for a future where circularity is not only a necessity, but also a strategic advantage.
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Get in touch with our expert
Interested in co-developing circular greenhouse or supply chain solutions? Partner with WUR to carry out cutting-edge research or validate new technologies in our greenhouse facilities.
ir. AT (Alexander) Boedijn, MSc
Programme Manager Circular Greenhouse Horticulture