First micro-plastic free shading product launched

Houweling Horticulture has achieved official Flustix Plastic-Free certification of its Bright Eco Coating. This liquid shading solution is fully biodegradable, 100% biobased, and entirely free from microplastics.

"Most people don't realize we ingest tens of thousands of plastic particles every year through our food, water, and even the air we breathe," says Jaco de Vries, Managing Director at Houweling Horticulture. "Microplastics are everywhere—and we believe that has to change. That's why we set out to create a truly clean alternative."

Jaco de Vries

Backed by science
While many products claim to be microplastic-free, proving it is another matter. Houweling Horticulture partnered with Flustix, a leading European certification body, to ensure Bright Eco Coating meets the strictest standards. The Flustix Plastic Free label is the only registered European sustainability certification focused specifically on plastic content. This independent verification confirms that Bright Eco Coating contains no microplastics—not just in marketing, but in its actual formulation.

Ahead of the regulatory curve
Under the EU's Reach regulation, products with intentionally added microplastics have been banned since October 2023. While the horticultural sector has until 2028 to comply, Bright Eco Coating already meets these requirements, offering growers, distributors, and advisors a certified, future-proof solution today.

Innovation with real-world impact
"Bright Eco Coating is the result of over a decade of R&D," explains Ronald de Vreede, Product Manager at Houweling Horticulture. "It protects crops from heat and sunlight, is safe for use during cultivation—including organic farming—and can be removed from greenhouse glass in an environmentally friendly way. It naturally wears off over time due to wind and rain, or can be removed manually or with our Bright Eco Cleaner."

The product is certified 100% microplastic-free and fully biodegradable according to OECD 301F standards. It remains effective on greenhouse surfaces for at least 90 days.