Key Takeaways:
- Modern Lighting Upgrade: Signify has installed new Philips GreenPower LED lighting at HAS Green Academy, enhancing the educational and research infrastructure with advanced, dimmable lighting solutions.
- Practical and Research Applications: These facilities are utilized by students for practical training and by researchers for conducting experiments, integrating hands-on learning with academic studies.
- Technological Advancements: The new LED installations replace older hybrid lighting systems, featuring a broad spectrum of light including red, green, blue, and far-red, which supports a variety of research applications.
- Educational Collaboration: The installation fosters a collaborative environment for education and research, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to preparing students for the horticultural industry.
- Continuous Industry Partnership: Signify’s ongoing relationship with HAS Green Academy highlights a shared commitment to advancing horticultural practices through innovative technologies.
Introduction to the Technological Upgrade
Signify, recognized globally in the lighting industry, has recently enhanced the educational capabilities of HAS green academy in Den Bosch, Netherlands, by installing the latest Philips GreenPower LED lighting systems. This upgrade in the greenhouses and climate chambers facilitates a range of new learning and research opportunities for students.
Details of the New Installation
The newly installed lighting system includes Philips GreenPower LED toplighting compact units and LED production modules that are fully dimmable and encompass a spectrum of red, green, blue, and far-red light. These installations are specifically designed to be used in different research settings within the university’s facilities.
Udo van Slooten, Business Leader at Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, explains: “We believe in shaping the future together with our knowledge partners, and we’re proud to continue this collaboration. It’s how we can help train a new generation of horticultural professionals and familiarize them with innovative cultivation technology.”
Impact on Education and Research
Martijn Bekkers, Manager of Greenhouse and Garden Facilities at HAS, discussed the significant improvements the new system brings:
“In July this year, the new greenhouse installation replaced a hybrid lighting installation we’ve had since 2015. That one was still working fine, but it no longer met today’s standards… This upgrade enables us to keep pace with modern production companies, and it keeps the HAS green academy relevant for practical research.”
This system not only increases the functional capabilities of the facilities but also enhances the learning experience by providing students with access to industry-standard equipment.
Advancements in Climate Chambers
The climate chambers at HAS have been upgraded with Philips GreenPower LED production modules that allow for continuous dimming and adjustment of light levels across three cultivation layers per chamber. This adaptability is crucial for precise experimental control which can significantly influence plant growth outcomes.
Daniëlle Smits, Lecturer in Cultivation at HAS, comments on the installation’s benefits: “Grow light is a hot topic right now, and efficient lighting with dynamic full LED is booming. We see it as our duty to provide students with good facilities for educational and research purposes… Our relationship with Signify goes back a long way and has provided many nice projects and valuable insights.”
Educational Synergy and Industry Collaboration
The collaboration between Signify and HAS green academy exemplifies the integration of commercial advancements with academic frameworks, aiming to enrich student education and prepare them for future careers in horticulture.
Martijn Bekkers adds: “Signify is also investing structurally in crop-focused research, in order to continue developing the Philips LED grow lights. Furthermore, they have plant specialists on staff for our students to consult when they have questions. This knowledge component is a unique and important added value.”
Philips Horticulture Latest News
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More Efficient Cultivation with Controlled Raising Under LED Lighting (2024/04/03)
Researchers are focusing on indoor farming and controlled raising of plants to enhance agricultural efficiency and resilience. LED lighting is being used to optimize the plant-raising phase and far-red light is being explored to improve plant growth. Multi-layer cultivation systems and glass-free greenhouses are also being employed for efficient production. The GrowWise Research Center is continuing to pioneer in the field of indoor farming and is seeking to push the boundaries of controlled environment agriculture for sustainable and productive food systems.
Looye Kwekers Selects Philips for LED Lighting in 3rd Phase of its Burgerveen Production Location (2024/03/26)
Looye Kwekers continues its partnership with Philips to implement LED lighting in its Burgerveen facility. The project includes an 8.2-hectare semi-closed greenhouse and advanced dimmable LED fixtures that can adjust the light spectrum and intensity for optimal crop growth. This move towards sustainability and efficiency aligns with Looye’s environmental and operational goals.
Research Trial Aims for Sustainable Tomato Cultivation (2024/03/11)
Signify and Grodan have begun a three-year research trial in the Netherlands to change year-round tomato cultivation by reducing heat input by up to 40%. The preliminary findings are promising, showcasing the feasibility of sustaining high levels of quality and production with less heat. The trial has already yielded unexpected insights, such as the efficacy of air dehumidification units in maintaining higher levels of transpiration than anticipated.
Watch the video https://youtu.be/ogZqnhfjAy8?si=hEo8Ks0l2_Rr69pJ
Jami Tomatoes BV Upgrades LED (2024/02/08)
Jami Tomatoes BV upgraded to a new Philips LED lighting system in late 2023, resulting in superior light output and reduced power consumption. The integration of Philips GreenPower LED toplighting compact (TLC) and interlighting has enhanced the growth environment for tomatoes, supporting photosynthesis more effectively. This change aligns with the company’s goal to optimize energy usage without compromising crop yield or quality. The transition to LED lighting has also had a pronounced effect on the company’s energy footprint, with a 40% reduction in energy consumption and significant savings on Combined Heat and Power (CHP) usage.
Expands GreenPower LED Gridlighting for Optimized Cannabis Cultivation (2024/02/06)
Signify has expanded its Philips GreenPower LED grid lighting range for indoor cannabis cultivation, introducing new spectra—Efficient White for vegetative growth and Efficient Broad White for flowering—with efficiencies up to ~3.0 μmol/J. Accommodating a broader voltage range (120 to 480V), the updated gridlighting 1.1 ensures uniform light distribution across a 4’x4′ area with six bars, enhancing bud consistency. Features include movable hooks, ventilation holes, and polycarbonate cover for optimal performance, alongside easy dimmability. This expansion, driven by feedback from cannabis growers, offers tailored lighting solutions for every grow stage and setup, underlining Signify’s commitment to innovation and energy-efficient cultivation practices.
Explores Raspberry Production (2023/12/20)
The Philips GrowWise Research Center is exploring year-round raspberry cultivation using innovative indoor farming techniques like hydroponics, artificial lighting, and climate control. This allows for higher yields and greater planting density, resulting in improved efficiency in raspberry production. The study shows promising results and could lead to even higher yields with further research into pruning and cold storage.
Signify Secures Its Place In The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (2023/12/19)
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the global leader in the lighting industry, continues to illuminate the path of sustainability, securing its place in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the seventh consecutive year. This prestigious inclusion highlights Signify’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and climate action.
Signify Announces Reorganization In Board (2023/12/12)
Signify has announced significant changes to its Board of Management and Supervisory Board ahead of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in May 2024. Eric Rondolat has been proposed for reappointment as CEO and Chair of the Board of Management. CFO Javier van Engelen and CCO Maria Letizia Mariani are set to leave the company in April and May 2024 respectively. Arthur van der Poel will step down as Chair of the Supervisory Board and will be succeeded by Gerard van de Aast. The Board has proposed the appointment of Jeroen Drost as a new member and the reappointment of Pamela Knapp and Rita Lane to the Supervisory Board.
LED Lighting Installation Transforms Qcumber (2023/12/06)
Signify has installed a new LED lighting system at Qcumber Optimize Nature VOF nursery in the Netherlands, replacing 1040 W HPS lights with Philips GreenPower toplighting force 840 W grow lights. The new system is expected to increase yield by 25% due to higher light output and energy efficiency. The LED lights can be dimmed and adjusted to meet the crop’s requirements, making it suitable for various cultivation scenarios. The decision to select Signify’s LED installation was influenced by the expertise and experience of its team.
Join Forces With Siemens to Innovate Vertical Farming (2023/11/23)
Philips Horticulture LED Solutions and Siemens have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to revolutionize agriculture in urban and controlled environments. The partnership aims to enhance digitalization, automation, and sustainability in vertical farming. By implementing advanced technologies such as IoT devices, sensors, and AI-driven analytics, the aim is to create more intelligent and efficient farming systems. The partnership also aims to set new industry standards and explore the future possibilities of vertical farming.
Signify Partners with Houweling Americas to Expand Philips Horticulture LED Solutions in Canada (2023/10/26)
Signify has partnered with Houweling Americas to provide Canadian greenhouse growers exclusive access to the Philips LED lighting portfolio of greenhouse lighting solutions. Houweling Americas, a division of the Houweling Group, will exclusively offer the Philips LED lighting portfolio to greenhouse growers across Canada. The partnership aims to strengthen the Philips Horticulture lighting partner network in Canada to drive production and efficiency.
Signify’s Research on Philips GreenPower LED Lighting and June Bearing Strawberries (2023/08/07)
Signify conducted research on the effects of far-red light on June-bearing strawberries under LED lighting. The study found that while far-red light boosted overall growth and promoted stem elongation, it did not enhance production. However, the benefits observed in stem elongation can improve climate control and reduce labor and chemical usage. Signify remains committed to further research and development in the realm of full LED.
Philips GreenPower LED Debuts for US & Canada at The 2022 Global Produce & Floral Show (2023/10/19)
Signify will showcase the Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force (TLF) for the North American market at the 2022 Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando. This is the first time growers in the U.S. will see the TLF, which offers a maximum light output of 3600 µmol/s and an efficiency of up to 3.7 µmol/J. The TLF is compatible with the Philips GrowWise Control System and enables growers to optimize their lighting strategy for greater growth predictability while improving crop quality, increasing yield, and managing energy costs. The TLF will be on display at the Signify booth at Holland Fresh Group #1771.
Sunterra Greenhouses Partners With Signify (2023/09/25)
Sunterra chose Philips LED lighting for their new greenhouse build in 2021 to produce high-quality fruits year-round while managing energy costs. Philips’ customized lighting designs and investment calculations stood out during the vendor selection process. Sunterra now sells its fresh produce in nine Sunterra Markets across Alberta, providing fresh, quality produce all year round.
Research on Far-Red Light in Tomato Cultivation Yields Mixed Results (2023/08/28)
Signify, in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research and Nunhems, researched the effects of far-red light on tomato cultivation. While some benefits were observed, the results are inconclusive. Far-red light could make it easier to direct energy to the fruits, but the degree of increase varied across tomato varieties. Moreover, energy consumption is higher with far-red light compared to PAR light, and it could negatively affect the quality of the plant. Experts recommend sticking with current light recipes for tomato growers.
Extends Partnership With Wageningen University (2023/07/28)
Signify and Wageningen University & Research are extending their collaboration at the Innovation & Demonstration Center in Bleiswijk (IDC-LED) to research energy-efficient and cost-effective lighting strategies for horticultural crops. The IDC-LED features advanced Philips GreenPower LED installations and control software, making it a versatile research environment. The collaboration has already yielded significant insights into the role of light in horticulture, and both parties believe dynamic lighting will play a crucial role in energy management for greenhouse horticulture companies.
Signify Q2 2023: Sales Decline Amid Continued Market Challenges (2023/07/28)
Signify has released its Q2 2023 financial results, revealing challenges in its indoor professional and horticulture lighting sectors. Despite a 10.5% sales decline, the company remains optimistic about its progression towards sustainability and cost structure optimization. Signify has already started taking measures to adapt to these challenges and focus on growth opportunities.
Dwarf Tomatoes: Changing Indoor Ag with High-Density Cultivation (2023/06/12)
Philips conducted trials on tomato plants to maximize productivity and improve quality. Certhon and HW Seeds introduced Gronos, a system that uses bush tomato varieties that require less maintenance and yield ripe fruits simultaneously. Philips tested the Gronos system for indoor farming, trialing these bush tomato varieties in high-density, multi-layer systems with simultaneous harvest at the end of the growing cycle. This system yielded up to twice as many tomatoes per square meter per year than traditional greenhouse farming. Despite the challenges, the industry has shown increased interest in this new cultivation method.
Far-Red Light Increases Tomato Yield by 16% New Study Shows (2023/05/18)
Research conducted by Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the global leader in lighting, in conjunction with Wageningen University & Research and Nunhems, has shown that using far-red light can increase tomato yield by nearly 20%, depending on the variety. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that this increase is achieved when far-red light is utilized throughout the entire photoperiod alongside the standard PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) light.
Reports A Drop In Horticulture Sales In Q1 2023 (2023/05/03)
Signify, a global leader in lighting, reported its Q1 2023 results, showing growth in installed connected light points from 114 million to 117 million but facing a nominal sales decline of 6.1% and a comparable sales growth (CSG) of -9.1%, resulting in total sales of EUR 1,678 million. LED-based sales constituted 82% of total sales, down from 84% in Q1 2022, and the adjusted EBITA margin decreased from 10.5% to 8.9%. Net income for the quarter was EUR 28 million, dropping from EUR 87 million in the previous year. However, free cash flow showed a substantial recovery, rising to EUR 51 million, primarily due to improvements in working capital. Despite facing challenges in Q1, the company’s CEO, Eric Rondolat, confirmed guidance for the year, anticipating potential improvements in the second half of 2023 and noting efforts to double the pace of the Paris Agreement. In the horticulture sector, nominal sales declined by 3.0%, affected by an 8.7% drop in comparable sales, and the Adjusted EBITA margin declined by 100 basis points to 8.7%, attributed to factors such as under-absorption of fixed costs and adverse currency effects.
White Light Does Not Contribute To Plant Growth (2023/04/17)
Recent testing with Philips GreenPower LED production modules has shown that white light is unnecessary for grow lights’ LED installations. Compared to red and blue light, white light does not add value to the crop and only increases energy consumption. Trials on basil crops showed that while the input of white resulted in higher energy consumption, it did not yield more fresh weight. The results suggest that a dynamic LED installation is recommended for efficient lighting, allowing the brightness and spectrum to be tailored to the crop’s needs at any given time.
Read more on those trials here.
Data-Driven Grow Lights (2023/02/03)
Signify, the world’s leading supplier of grow lights is revolutionizing the horticulture industry with its data-driven lighting solutions. By integrating artificial intelligence and collecting and analyzing data, Signify is helping greenhouse farmers make informed decisions and optimize their crop production. The company provides decision-support tools, energy management solutions, and post-sales support from its plant specialists, all while maintaining trust and transparency in privacy and security. Signify is creating a new light on growth, offering farmers a more innovative, efficient way to cultivate their crops.
Signify Reports Its Q4 & Full-year Results (2023/01/30)
Signify, the global leader in lighting, has reported robust results for the year ending 2022, highlighting continued growth in the connected lighting market, with connected light points increasing from 96 million to 114 million. Full-year sales reached EUR 7,514 million, including a 9.5% nominal sales increase and a 1.2% CSG. LED-based sales accounted for 83% of total sales, and the company achieved an adjusted EBITA margin of 10.1% and a net income of EUR 532 million. The fourth quarter saw sales of EUR 1,978 million and an adjusted EBITA margin of 10.2%, leading to a proposed dividend increase to EUR 1.50 per share for 2022. Signify’s focus for 2023 includes improving profitability and returning to a level of free cash flow, with forecasts of an adjusted EBITA margin of 10.5-11.5% and free cash flow of 6-8% of sales. These results underscore the company’s commitment to its shareholders and sustainability, as reflected in its progress under the “Brighter Lives, Better World 2025” program and recognition from the CDP’s Climate A List and the DJSI World Index.
Philips Horticulture Introduces Far-Red Grow Light for Van Wordragen (2023/01/20)
Signify has provided Van Wordragen Flowers BV, a chrysanthemum grower in the Netherlands, with LED installations that include an adjustable far-red light spectrum. According to research by WUR, chrysanthemum stem length can be regulated completely by LEDs by providing subsequent end-of-day lighting with far-red light, which puts an end to the fear amongst growers that the use of full LED might result in too short flower stems in the winter. The move to use LED lighting and adjustable far-red technology is driven by the high energy prices growers face and the desire to better regulate stem length.
Signify Partners with Greenhouse System USA to Offer Philips Horticulture LED Lighting (2023/01/06)
Signify has partnered with Greenhouse System USA, a California-based greenhouse manufacturing and construction firm, to provide Philips horticulture LED lighting as part of their custom greenhouse solutions. Founded in 1984 and collaborating with Dutch firm Ammerlaan Construction, Greenhouse System USA will leverage this partnership to enhance its offerings. It will enable further customization in new greenhouse builds with high-quality, energy-saving LED lighting. The President of Greenhouse System USA, Peter Fryn, sees the partnership as a means to expand the company’s portfolio to benefit customers and the environment. Signify’s U.S. Sales Leader for the Philips horticulture LED team, Henry Olson, emphasized that this partnership aligns with the company’s goal to be the premier LED lighting provider in the horticulture industry and reflects its ongoing efforts to expand its network of certified partners in the US and Canada.
Philips Horticulture Reveals Study on Blue Lights Effect on Basil Crop (2022/12/07)
Signify conducted experiments to examine the effects of blue light on the shelf life and quality of basil. However, their findings indicated that there was no significant impact of blue LED illumination on the quality and shelf life of the crop. The experiment was conducted on green and purple basil, and the seedlings were cultivated in a controlled climatic environment with adequate CO2 levels. The experiment examined different percentages of blue light applied either as a continuous treatment throughout the growth or as EOP. The results showed that the light recipe for basil production in Philips GreenPower LED grow lights guarantees the highest possible taste and crop quality achievable with LED lighting.
Plans Expansion of Philips Horticulture Business in Egypt (2022/12/02)
In an interview with Zawya, Mohamed Saad, President, and CEO of the NEA region for the Dutch lighting giant, Signify, outlined the company’s target markets in Egypt, including vertical farms, poultry, sports, and public infrastructure. Saad emphasized the company’s growth in Egypt, especially in the horticulture sector, where they provided lighting solutions for the country’s first controlled environment farm producing leafy greens. Signify’s newly introduced UV-C lighting systems have been implemented in various places, including supermarkets and gyms, and its poultry lighting solutions are now in use at specific farms. Reflecting on Signify’s achievement of carbon neutrality in 2020 through 100% renewable electricity and its project “Brighter Lives, Better World 2025,” Saad also highlighted Egypt as an emerging powerhouse market where the company plans to expand local production, with locally sourced components expected to rise to 80%.
Signify (AMS: LIGHT) Reports Improvements Despite Market Volatility (2022/10/28)
Signify (AMS: LIGHT) reported its Q3 earnings, showcasing solid growth with sales reaching USD 1.9 billion, reflecting improvements over Q2, despite an increasingly volatile operating environment. The strong performance in the professional business segment offset lower consumer demand and a slowdown in China, allowing the company to improve profitability despite challenges like energy costs and currency fluctuations. Q3 sales in the Digital Solution segment rose to EUR 1,103 million, with 12.0% comparable sales growth and a 39.0% increase in Adjusted EBITA to EUR 124 million. The impact of Fluence and Pierlite’s acquisition by Signify and favorable currency effects also contributed to this growth in the horticulture segment. Given continued uncertainties, especially in the consumer segment and Chinese market, Signify expects a comparable sales growth of 2-3% for 2022 and is targeting the lower end of guidance ranges for Adjusted EBITA margin (11.0-11.4%) and free cash flow (5-7%), as stated by CEO Eric Rondolat.
Signify Secured The Highest Industry Score in the 2022 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (2022/09/26)
Signify, the global leader in lighting, has achieved the highest industry score in the 2022 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, receiving 88 points out of a possible 100 as of September 23, 2022. The high rating, which includes total scores (100/100) in 64 categories such as Climate Change Strategy, Scope 3 GHG Emissions, Risk Culture, and Product Design, reinforces Signify’s position as a sustainability leader under its “Brighter Lives, Better World 2025” program. This accolade reflects two years of carbon-neutral operations and the company’s aim to double its positive impact on the environment and society. The achievement positions Signify to secure its place in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the sixth consecutive year, underscoring CEO Eric Rondolat’s pride in its commitment to energy-efficient technologies and positive global impact.
Signify Install Proprietary LED In Korean Greenhouse (2022/08/09)
Signify Korea installed a Philips LED grow light solution at Parm Farm Greenhouse in Korea. The solution accelerates plant growth, increases yields, and improves crop quality. This creates an ideal environment for plant growth, increasing the harvest and generating more revenue by providing a stable supply of tomatoes for consumers. The solution saves up to 50% in energy use and crop yield can be predicted by conducting pre-installation simulations. Parm Farm delivers a stable supply of fresh tomatoes year-round.
Signify Reports FQ2 & Updates on Sustainability Program (2022/07/29)
Signify’s second quarter of 2022 witnessed growth in its connected light points, rising from 100 million to 103 million. Financially, the company also exhibited a robust performance, with sales reaching EUR 1,836 million, marking a 14.1% nominal increase. LED-based sales now represent 84% of total sales, up from 82% in Q2 2021. The Adjusted EBITA margin dropped slightly to 9.5%, and net income significantly increased to EUR 248 million. During this period, Signify completed acquisitions of Fluence and Pierlite and divested non-strategic real estate assets. Despite challenges from external factors such as lockdowns in China, the war in Ukraine, and a weaker consumer environment, CEO Eric Rondolat affirmed the company’s strong traction in the professional segment.
Signify Supplies 40% More Light To Grower Looye (2022/06/17)
Looye Kwekers, a tomato grower from the Netherlands, is transitioning to LED lighting in all its greenhouses due to high energy prices. Signify will install a hybrid set-up in the greenhouses, covering a total area of almost 25 hectares and providing a lot of light and significant energy savings. By the end of summer, half of the lights will be replaced with LED, which will raise the light levels in the greenhouses by 30 to 40%. LED lighting is expected to increase production during winter months by the same amount.
Philips Horticulture Celebrates 15 Years of Leadership in Developing Horticulture LED Grow Lighting (2022/06/13)
Philips Horticulture and Siemens are collaborating to advance digitalization and automation in vertical farming while setting new industry standards and committing to sustainability. The partnership combines Philips Horticulture’s expertise in LED lighting solutions with Siemens’ technological capabilities to optimize resources and improve yield quality. The collaboration aims to revolutionize sustainable agriculture and bring vertical farming to the next level. The partnership will focus on implementing state-of-the-art technologies to create more intelligent, more efficient farming systems and streamline the process through automation.
Signify’s efficient LED with far-red light performs well in strawberry cultivation (2022/05/17)
Philips Horticulture and Siemens have announced a collaboration to enhance digitalization, advance automation, set new industry standards, and commit to sustainability in the vertical farming industry. By combining Philips Horticulture’s expertise in LED lighting solutions with Siemens’ advanced technological capabilities, the partnership aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to farming. The collaboration promises to innovate and improve the way vertical farming is approached, potentially leading to significant advancements in sustainable agriculture.
Image provided by Philips Horticulture
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