Amsterdam –
During the AVAG ‘Dutch Quality Hour’ at GreenTech 2018 on 13 June, chairman Harm Maters presented  an important quality and innovation-related initiative from the greenhouse sector. collaboration with NEN, knowledge institutes and the greenhouse construction and technology industry has resulted in the launch of two new NEN standards for diffuse glass.

NEN standard for diffuse greenhouse glass

During the AVAG Dutch ‘Quality hour’, Annemarie Mewe from NEN officially launched two new NEN standards for diffuse glass. “The two new NEN standards make it possible to determine the optical characteristics of (diffuse) covering materials and screens for greenhouses and ensure a workable sampling process for glass in new-build projects. We are therefore proud that these standards are also supported by everyone involved: producers, growers, greenhouse manufacturers, installation companies, glass distributors, consultants and knowledge institutes,” stated Annemarie Mewe.

When used in a greenhouse, diffuse glass ensures that natural light penetrates more deeply into the crop. The light reaches a larger surface area of the leaves, enabling the plant to absorb more carbon dioxide (CO₂), and CO₂ boosts growth, production and quality. Comparative studies demonstrate that diffuse glass achieves a 3 to 7% higher yield. The new standard, NEN2675:2018, describes the measurement of light transmittance and scatter by greenhouse covering materials and screens. In the revised standard for the sampling procedure (NEN2674), the supplier and the client jointly select and put aside a limited number of panes immediately after delivery. These can later be used for measurement in accordance with the new standard.

The NEN standards have been developed by Hortivation and Wageningen University & Research in conjunction with suppliers of knowledge and technology, LTO Glaskracht Nederland and NEN.