Research & development

Proposal force

Innovation at Velfor takes the form of product development in response to customer requests, as well as Group-initiated projects. Market studies are carried out to take into account needs, anticipate future trends, understand regulatory issues and measure potential.

They integrate environmental issues by incorporating an eco-responsible approach through eco-design of the product, proposing new materials from recycling and bioresources which are tested to carry out these actions.

We have set up collaborations with various R&D structures enabling us to carry out pilot-scale tests (material extrusion, etc.).

Depending on the context and the innovation objectives, Velfor draws up a technical and financial file, then solicits partners to support the project.

Project illustration: Cultivation tank for soil-less agriculture

Soilless cultivation currently uses plant substrates surrounded by a polyethylene sheath. The substrate rests on “homemade” supports using masonry irons. It is hydrated by an irrigation system.

This solution presents several problems:

Change and dispose of the sheath as waste after each harvest.
Handling operations before and after each harvest are time-consuming and not easy.

Velfor develops an innovative container for soil-less cultivation, combining durability, ease of use and waste reduction in collaboration with a GIE (Groupement d’Intérêt Économique)

The project is carried out in collaboration with farmers on a local, French and even European scale.
The proposed solution uses injection technology, which is the expertise of one of our subsidiaries: Apira.
The tray must fit the current V-shaped support

Reduces waste compared with the current solution, which involves renewing the packaging with each harvest.
Optimizes and reduces handling time for pickers (installation – dismantling – cleaning).
Includes easy-to-install irrigation system and wastewater collection.
The use of recycled materials is preferred in the manufacture of the bin.
The project involves recycling used bins.