15 november 2024
The growing media industry is making big steps forward in sustainability. With RHP Innovation Support, RHP wants to support certified companies in the development and testing of new substrate raw materials at their RHP locations. The initiative helps companies innovate in a safe way, with advice and support from our technical experts and a step-by-step exemption process.
Since 2022, in the Netherlands a covenant has been signed by the growing media industry, market parties, NGOs and the government with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of growing media and increasing the share of renewable raw materials in growing media. Innovation with new raw materials is crucial, but requires thorough practical tests in order to continue guaranteeing the safety and quality of growing media to growers. RHP, as the knowledge centre for substrates, wants to offer more extensive support to certified companies.
RHP Innovation Support offers certified companies expert support to step by step innovate safely and well-considered with new raw materials at their RHP location. Certified companies share their product idea with their own RHP technical advisor, who guides them throughout the entire process. RHP treats all information about the innovation confidentially. Basic information about the new product is reviewed. With the expertise of the technical advisor, the production process is thoroughly screened and the certified company receives advice on how to improve. A concise risk assessment can be carried out, looking at chemical, physical, biological and other relevant aspects. If necessary, safety measures are implemented to ensure that the new raw material can be used safely at the RHP location without risk to the conventional production.
Once the risks have been reduced or have already been limited, the next step towards a special exemption process can be taken. This process takes place in two phases, which must be applied for separately:
Phase 1: Certified companies are allowed to conduct small practical tests at their RHP location with the new raw material for a period of up to 6 months. At the end of this phase, an evaluation takes place with an extensive risk assessment.
Phase 2: If the product has passed phase 1, the second phase allows for larger tests with an exemption for up to 18 months. During this period, the technical advisor assists the certified company as a sparring partner and thus supports the setup of tests for reliable results.
When all tests have been successfully completed and the certified company is convinced of the new product, it can be registered with RHP for the certification process. In this way, RHP Innovation Support helps certified companies to innovate safely.
