Lionplant was founded in 2009 from a cut chrysanthemum nursery. The company has since specialised in various chrysanthemum varieties and pot cut genetics. This year, hibiscus has also been added to the range at a second location.
The plants, marketed under the Decorum label, find their way across Europe and also to the Middle East. "We supply a lot to retail customers," says co-owner Hans van Leeuwen. "They have high requirements when it comes to sustainability."
© MPS
Hans and Martijn van Leeuwen
Two sustainable locations
Because of these high requirements, Lionplant has implemented the necessary sustainability measures at both locations. However, the demands of retailers are not the only reason, Van Leeuwen explains: "We also do it on our own initiative. For the planet, but financially too, sustainability is a smart move. We saw that during and after the energy crisis, for example. We started using as little gas as possible."
At the Stuartlaan location, the company has had climate screens, solar panels, insect netting and geothermal energy for several years. "And since 2025, we have fully switched to MPS-MIND green products," says Van Leeuwen. Sustainability is also a focus at the Bospolder location, where the company grows hibiscus: "There too, we use geothermal energy and we use as little energy and as few inputs as possible."
Looking at the figures
The company mainly uses MPS certification to keep an eye on the figures. "In this way, we try to influence our company figures and compare them with the average usage of colleagues. However, for concrete cultivation information, we look beyond the figures. We obtain that information from suppliers and colleagues, and we carry out our own trials."
A positive story
Like most nurseries in the sector, Lionplant therefore does a lot to cultivate more sustainably. "But we must not forget to communicate that story to the outside world in the right way. The sector's image can be improved. Together, we must prevent the sector from being unfairly pilloried. Make sure you stay ahead of that and talk as much as possible about the positive steps we keep taking time and again."
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