Innovative solutions for greater sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of VOL Ortofrutta's philosophy. We have always been committed not only to the production, but also to the affordability, quality and sustainable aspect of every product we distribute to the large-scale retail trade and wholesalers-through a green-conscious production process, starting from the farms we collaborate with, to the processing done through the agricultural cooperative, to the distribution operations.

We are convinced that only through an ongoing commitment to sustainability can we ensure a better future for our industry and the environment. But we are aware that the market today demands not only healthy and possibly zero-residue vegetables, but also aesthetically pleasing ones. Therefore, we try to offer products that are obviously excellent organoleptically, but also beautiful, tasty and sought-after in variety. And this is possible thanks to a series of investments in the R&D department in order to optimize working tools and production procedures.

GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION ABOVE GROUND

By growing in greenhouses above ground, we are able to maximize the yield of our crops and reduce the environmental impact of the farm. Our greenhouses are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows us to constantly monitor plant conditions and better regulate the amounts of nutrients and water being administered. With a spike irrigation system, we are able to save up to 90 percent of water compared to traditional agriculture, thus contributing significantly to the preservation of this precious resource.

The pots we use for our plants are filled with an all-plant substrate composed of peat and coconut, materials that have zero impact on the environment upon disposal. In addition, the fact that the plants are grown under cover inside the greenhouse allows us to limit the use of pesticides and other chemical treatments, resulting in a healthier and more sustainable end product.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AND RECYCLABLE POTS

For above-ground cultivation, we use special pots of the latest generation, made of GranPlast, a material derived from the recycling of Tetra Pak®-type packaging. This line of pots, infinitely recyclable and easily disposed of at the end of cultivation due to the total absence of Carbon Black, is a major step forward with a positive ecological impact.

But that's not all: thanks to the properties of this innovative material, the pots are able to reduce overheating of the substrate during the summer season and regulate the temperature of the root system, providing optimal conditions for the growth of healthier and more vigorous plants. Tests have shown an average reduction in temperatures of about 5 to 7 degrees compared to traditional black containers, with peaks of 10 degrees in the middle hours of the day.

GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION ABOVE GROUND

By growing in greenhouses above ground, we are able to maximize the yield of our crops and reduce the environmental impact of the farm. Our greenhouses are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows us to constantly monitor plant conditions and better regulate the amounts of nutrients and water being administered. With a spike irrigation system, we are able to save up to 90 percent of water compared to traditional agriculture, thus contributing significantly to the preservation of this precious resource.

The pots we use for our plants are filled with an all-plant substrate composed of peat and coconut, materials that have zero impact on the environment upon disposal. In addition, the fact that the plants are grown under cover inside the greenhouse allows us to limit the use of pesticides and other chemical treatments, resulting in a healthier and more sustainable end product.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AND RECYCLABLE POTS

For above-ground cultivation, we use special pots of the latest generation, made of GranPlast, a material derived from the recycling of Tetra Pak®-type packaging. This line of pots, infinitely recyclable and easily disposed of at the end of cultivation due to the total absence of Carbon Black, is a major step forward with a positive ecological impact.

But that's not all: thanks to the properties of this innovative material, the pots are able to reduce overheating of the substrate during the summer season and regulate the temperature of the root system, providing optimal conditions for the growth of healthier and more vigorous plants. Tests have shown an average reduction in temperatures of about 5 to 7 degrees compared to traditional black containers, with peaks of 10 degrees in the middle hours of the day.

CONTROLLED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Inside the greenhouses, we have set up a pinned irrigation system in each individual pot, a method that, thanks to the precise distribution of water and nutrients, allows the plants to receive exactly what they need, avoiding water wastage and ensuring uniform, quality growth.

Even in the open field, we have chosen to implement innovative irrigation systems, avoiding traditional sprinklers that waste water inefficiently. Through a special system of conduits, we are able to administer the right amount of water to each plant, thus promoting responsible management of water resources.

SHADING PAINT FOR GREENHOUSES

Unlike traditional whitewashing with lime, which has some disadvantages related to cost, weather resistance and limited light transpiration, the shade paint we have adopted to protect crops during the hot season is an environmentally friendly product that is free of toxic substances and can provide better temperature regulation inside the greenhouses.

Due to its resin-based composition, this paint offers the ability to adjust the desired intensity and coverage as needed, allowing the temperature to be lowered by as much as 5°C under greenhouse.

CONTROLLED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Inside the greenhouses, we have set up a pinned irrigation system in each individual pot, a method that, thanks to the precise distribution of water and nutrients, allows the plants to receive exactly what they need, avoiding water wastage and ensuring uniform, quality growth.

Even in the open field, we have chosen to implement innovative irrigation systems, avoiding traditional sprinklers that waste water inefficiently. Through a special system of conduits, we are able to administer the right amount of water to each plant, thus promoting responsible management of water resources.