Cannabis News
Screens show the greatest potential to steer greenhouse industry towards climate neutrality
The closing ceremony of the Interreg Flanders–Netherlands Energlik project took place in Hoogstraten, Belgium, where researchers and industry stakeholders gathered to present and discuss the project’s results. The study day was organized by the Energlik consortium under the coordination of Proefcentrum Hoogstraten.
As part of the Energlik project, eleven partners from Flanders and the Netherlands joined forces to reduce greenhouse CO₂ emissions by 2030 and take concrete steps to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The project focused on the development of four innovative technologies aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions in greenhouse production. In addition to the practical tests, additional studies were carried out to assess the economic viability and environmental impact of the innovations.
Interreg’s Bram De Kort highlighted the importance of the initiative at the closing ceremony: “Interreg stimulates cross-border cooperation and supports strong projects that create added value for people, the economy and the planet. Energli is a great example of this.”
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Four innovations for less CO₂ emissions
One of the technologies developed as part of the project is a CO₂ capture system that collects, purifies and stores CO₂ from the heating plant, then reuses it in the crop. This allows producers to decouple heat demand from CO₂ supply. The system is based on Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). Thomas More’s Jan Creylman explained: “PSA is a low-tech method of concentrating CO₂ from flue gases. It can be easily combined with a CHP plant and is cost-effective, safe and scalable.”
© Hoogstraten Test Center
A second innovation focused on the development of new screen materials to improve greenhouse insulation and reduce heat loss, thus reducing CO₂ emissions. Emphasis was placed on the properties of screens.
“It has been scientifically confirmed that the growers were right in assuming that dehumidification through the screen is very effective,” said Filip Bronchart of the University of Ghent.
The third innovation focused on energy-efficient active dehumidification systems. These systems remove moisture from the greenhouse without opening the vents, preventing energy losses.
“Within Energlik, we explored the possibilities of energy-efficient dehumidification of greenhouse air, based on proven techniques from other sectors,” added Bronchart.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Finally, the members of the project have developed sensors capable of detecting fungal spores. Energy-efficient cultivation often needs to be airtight for longer periods of time, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
“We have previously successfully used biosensors to detect bacteria and molecules, but fungal spores were more challenging. With surface printing and electropolymerization, we have identified two ways to detect fungal spores,” explains Bart van Grinsven.
These sensors may enable more accurate monitoring of fungal pressure in the future, allowing growers to intervene earlier.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Innovations tested in practice
Many innovations were tested in practice. New screen materials were developed, measured and selected based on insulation performance. The best performing screens were then used in crop trials with tomato, sweet pepper and cucumber, combining three screens for each crop.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
Different types of dehumidification systems were also designed, built and installed. These included heat recovery systems and systems equipped with heat pumps. Combined with climate and screen control strategies, these measures resulted in significant energy savings across all crops, with no loss of production.
© Hoogstraten Test Center
In addition, a trial in a commercial tomato greenhouse demonstrated that more intensive use of multiple screens, day and night, significantly reduces energy consumption.
Tomato producer Jelle De Ryck from Tomerel he reflected on his experience: “In 2025, we did not have to turn on our gas boiler, while in 2024 – despite the warmer spring – this was still necessary. This was possible with the double energy screen and the more intensive use of the screen.
© EnergyJelle De Ryck from Tomerel shared her experiences as a demo member of the Energlik project on October 2, 2025 during a visit to the Vegetable Research Station in Sint-Katelijne-Waver.
Screens show the greatest potential
Economic and environmental assessments indicate that energy screens currently offer the greatest potential to move the greenhouse industry towards climate neutrality. They require a relatively limited investment and provide significant heat savings, especially in crops without light. Combined with energy-efficient dehumidification systems, CO₂ emissions can be further reduced.
“Dehumidification systems reduce the environmental impact, but high efficiency is essential,” explained ILVO’s Luis Corbala Robles. Their economic viability depends largely on investment costs.
For other innovations, the added economic and environmental value is less clear at this stage, partly due to the high investment costs and the need for further research. These factors will influence which technologies are adopted in commercial practice in the future.
The project also emphasized that energy-efficient cultivation strategies (such as accepting higher relative humidity levels and increasing screen hours) can lead to significant savings without requiring additional investment from growers.
Silke Hemming from Wageningen University & Research emphasizes this point: “Accepting a higher relative humidity, using a heat pump for dehumidification and installing more and better energy screens make the most important contribution to saving energy in fruit and vegetable crops.”
Source: Hoogstraten Test Center / energy
The Cannabis Control Commission, the government body that oversees the marijuana business in the state of Massachusetts (USA), has decided to temporarily stop accepting new license applications for growing marijuana, both indoors and outdoors. This hiatus officially began on June 16, 2026.
Anyone planning to apply for a new marijuana cultivation license after June 16, 2026 will not be able to do so while this suspension is in effect. The Commission will not accept such requests during this period.
There are two groups that can continue normally. First, anyone who submitted an application before June 16, 2026, will continue to review and process applications as usual. Second, applicants for specific programs designed to help communities historically affected by drug laws, known as the Social Equity Program and the Economic Empowerment Program, are exempt from this suspension if they apply for a smaller-scale “Microenterprise” license.
The suspension will be in effect for 120 days from June 16, 2026, which is currently scheduled to be lifted around mid-October 2026. However, the Commission has the power to terminate earlier or extend further, depending on market conditions.
Source: Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
Cannabis News
Federal Marijuana Rescheduling ‘Does Not Appear To Apply’ To Washington Businesses, State Officials Say
The medical cannabis market is expected to grow from $47 billion to $149 billion by 2031, and New Zealand has a real role to play in that story. And thanks in large part to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the government’s international business development agency, Puro is starting to play.
At Cannabis Europa 2026 London, NZTE hosted an evening event at the City Arts Bar with Puro, New Zealand companies Bluelab, Rua Bioscience and CannFX. Puro called it The NZ Room.
Beyond all things Kiwiana – including Puro brand kiwifruit, Kiwi’d – the room was filled with some pretty amazing people: Ivy League scientists, company founders, patients, advocates, industry players, government officials, Maori tribal leaders and a tough Scotsman. All in the same space with the same true passion for where this industry is going.
It was one of those rooms where conversations went well when they had to end. That’s usually a sign of something well done.
Made possible by NZTE
For Puro, the NZTE relationship has been formative. With ongoing support, Puro has entered the Australian market with 47 unique product SKUs and signed a £7 million supply agreement with UK distributor IPS Pharma.
NZTE understands the potential of the New Zealand cannabis industry. The willingness to support this nascent industry and put New Zealand in the spotlight at events like Cannabis Europa is very significant. New Zealand is a small country and the country’s credibility in international markets is built from relationship to relationship, room by room. NZTE helps build those rooms.
© Cigar
what’s next
For the first time, patients in the UK have access to medicinal cannabis grown in New Zealand. That’s the direct result of years of work by Puro’s team, but it’s not worth much if you can’t connect with buyers globally. Creating international relationships that events like Cannabis Europa make this possible.
“We are grateful for the extensive support from the New Zealand Government that drives our progress, including the Ministry of Primary Industries’ support for our genetic breeding, product innovation and market access goals. This collective effort from agencies such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, NZTE and the New Zealand Export Credit Bureau ensures that Mail that started in London will continue to grow in Puro’s international goals,” he said. a statement
For more information:
clean
www.puro.co.nz
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