"Air pruning containers offer labor and health benefits as well"

Airtray Technology by Blackmore Co is showcasing this unique yet simple labor reducing system at IPM 2020 in Essen with European partners Floor van Schaik and Ellepot out of Denmark.

The Airtray technology will be shown at booth Hall 6, Stand 6C36 with the company Floor van Schaik. Airtray is the patented system, founded in the USA but gaining popularity around the world. 

Blackmore Co initially came up with the Airtray technology in order to supply air pruning containers designed for Ellepots to the AG and horticulture industry however it quickly proved to offer other benefits apart from the Air pruning. 

Airtray Technology is focused on 3 main topics:;
1. Labor reducing tools
2. Improved root development with faster turn of product 
3. Reduce soilborne disease issues

While there is a lot of talk about #1 & #2 in the industry, the fact remains that #3 is the one that “can take you out with one swing,” says product manager of Airtray technology Danny Takao.

“Combining these three areas under one, with focus on reducing the number of human touches, has been an interesting journey where all involved have learned a lot,” says Lars Jensen of Blackmore Co. 

“This is so much more than just selling a tray or an Ellepot machine, this is about developing a system that reduces the overall cost, not just by eliminating labor but by optimizing the production setting – not through installing a machine but through implementing a system.” 

“We have chosen a group of companies and individuals to work with on this to ensure the concept has the depth it needs in order to provide success for the grower. A major contributor to this has been Floor van Schaik. We developed a rack that not only holds heavy trays without bending, but also optimizes even drying on across each tray. The Airtray technology solution is also offered at a competitive price compared to other elevated systems and offers a significant advantage over growing on gravel or dirt where the risk of soilborne disease is high.

Additional contributors that we work with are: Proptek to have an injection molded solutions for Ellepots,  Flowvision for customers who want a second opinion before implementation and, of course, Ellepot of Denmark”.

"We look forward to showing a portion of this system in Germany with Floor van Schaik and are equally excited to show the Airtray technology with the new patented Ellepot Bag system", the team concludes.