In the world of horticulture, innovation is the key to success. Growers constantly seek ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. Enter the Low-Profile Tray, a sustainable horticultural solution by The HC Companies. This tray is designed to transform the way we approach greenhouse operations, all while aligning with sustainability goals.
The Low-Profile Tray is pre-assembled at The HC Companies, saving valuable labor time during the pot-to-tray assembly process. On top of that, his tray is designed to use 30% less material compared to standard thermoform trays, making it an eco-friendly choice from the start.
Crafted from recycled Polypropylene, a material widely accepted in municipal recycling programs, the Low-Profile Tray is not only made from recycled content but is also fully recyclable.
One of the features of the Low-Profile Tray is its ability to reduce soil waste. Traditional trays often trap soil between pots during the filling process, leading to unnecessary waste and increased costs. However, the Low-Profile Tray’s ingenious design allows the soil to fall through effortlessly, eliminating this common problem. The result? Thousands of dollars were saved in material costs and a more sustainable growing process.
Efficiency is at the heart of the Low-Profile Tray’s design. The HC Companies conducted surveys and interviews with greenhouse growers nationwide to understand the most pressing issues they face. The tray was engineered to address these concerns head-on:
- Labor Time Savings: With pre-assembly and tag slots oriented for quick tagging, this tray shaves valuable time off the assembly process.
- Material Loss Reduction: By preventing soil from getting trapped, this tray minimizes material loss during the filling process.
- Automation Downtime Minimization: Greenhouse automation is crucial, and the Low-Profile Tray is ideal for automated labeling systems, reducing downtime significantly.
- Handling Efficiency: Handling is made secure and efficient from any angle, allowing up to four trays to be carried per person. This efficiency carries through every stage of the growing process, from cart to floor and from shipping to retail.
Plant damage during handling and transport can be a costly issue for growers. The Low-Profile Tray addresses this with pots secured in place using quick-release clips. This feature not only reduces the risk of plant damage but also makes handling safer and more efficient.
Managing warehouse space efficiently is a concern for any grower. The Low-Profile Tray offers a practical solution by providing up to 20% in warehouse savings compared to bulk pallets of pots and trays. Fewer pallets shipped and stored mean more space and cost savings for your business.
The HC Companies