CE-Line

This interview details CE-Line, a breakthrough innovation for water and nutrient management in greenhouse horticulture based in The Netherlands. The interview is with Simon D. Meijer, CEO of CE-Line.

‍

‍

What is the origin story of CE-Line?

‍

CE-Line was developed as a measurement tool for the Greenhouse industry to - on the spot and without delay - deliver nutrient-specific data in the nutrient mix and water management system. To prepare water samples for that was learned from our previous sister company with a background in the Dairy industry.

‍

‍

‍

What are some of the biggest challenges facing CE-Line in the future? 

‍

The Greenhouse industry is international and the hardware tool is applicable also in other sectors like (waste) water management. This means we must serve an international and diverse audience. For expanding the business we are just happy the horticulture and water sector sees the excellent position of The Netherlands in these sectors. This helps us a lot in our roll-out.

‍

‍

What is unique about CE-Line compared to competitors? 

‍

We have no competition that can equal our benefits. The option of sending samples to a greenhouse water sample lab delivers much less data and a much longer waiting time. The option to make nutrient measurements per nutrient with handheld sensors delivers low-quality data due to the soiling and drifting of the tools and it takes a lot of work. CE-Line offers quick, inline automated measurements on all nutrients and delivers that within an hour, in the cloud. It is self-calibrating and self-cleaning.

‍

‍

What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry with your clients and partners? 

‍

The scarcity of water and energy pushes towards more efficient use of nutrients and water. Same time food safety (triggered by COVID) demands high controllability in growth but also production closer to big cities. If that is reached a higher yield on production is made at an effective price. Vertical Farming puts more focus on the maximum output at the lowest costs.

‍

A lot of innovations help to get a higher yield but for this, the basis for it (water and nutrients) should be available in the right amounts. To do that only to measure this once a week (or less) isn’t effective. Adjustments will show over- and undershoots and a decline in growth will be visible. CE-Line makes this a smooth operation.

‍

‍

Legal actions to prevent discharging used water to surface water make recycling needed. Then it becomes also necessary to know the exact content of that recycled water, otherwise your mix is unpredictable.

‍

Besides these factors also the availability of skilled workers is declining. Or “new” countries that want to have big greenhouses simply don’t have labs or skilled labor available. Steering on nutrients (sample taking and analyzing, but also steering on dosing) can now be done at a distance by CE-Line.

‍

‍

How can people connect with you or learn more about CE-Line?

‍

Visit www.celine.frl or www.ce-line.com or email to sales@celine.frl

‍

‍

‍