- English
Growers’ needs are changing rapidly – driven by increasing automation, digitalization and demand for precision in plant propagation. In direct response, developer Maan Biobased Products has made a key adjustment to the proven Growcoon system: from now on, it will no longer be green, but an earthy brown.
The new brown color significantly enhances contrast between the propagation plug and developing root structures. This adjustment improves root visibility for both manual inspection and camera-based systems. The change supports the smooth integration of Growcoon into automated transplanting, grading and monitoring processes – particularly in high-tech production environments.
Same trusted performance, new visual benefit
While the color has changed, the product remains the same in every other respect: Growcoon continues to offer 100% biodegradability, is made from food-safe components, and carries the ‘OK Compost’ label according to EN 13432. The brown version blends naturally with most growing media, further underlining the sustainable profile of young plants raised with Growcoon.
Bart Feller from Driscoll’s Plants NL reacts:
‘Thanks to the brown colour, the roots are much more visible, allowing the plugs to be properly assessed and sorted both manually and automatically.’
An evolution driven by dialogue
“This is a direct result of constructive dialogue with our customers,” says Raymond van Ispelen, Growcoon product manager at Klasmann-Deilmann “We regularly collect insights from growers across all horticultural segments – and the need for improved root visibility came through clearly. By adjusting the color of Growcoon, we’re helping our customers enhance their processes and meet future demands.”
The first growers have already made the transition, and report highly positive results — particularly in automated root detection and process control.
Jelle Broeders, Van der Avoird Trayplant:
‘In addition to the sustainable appearance of the brown Growcoon, which matches its biodegradability, it also fits seamlessly into our automation process. In this process, we select plants based on root quality, among other things.’
The production site in Raalte has now completely switched to the brown color. Although a small part of the stock still consists of green Growcoons, the manufacturer expects to only deliver brown Growcoons from 2026 onwards.
Would you like to know more about Growcoon, its advantages or the color change? Please contact Klasmann-Deilmann: Growing media experts and worldwide distributor of Growcoon.
More information: maan-group.com
