HortiQ in Practice: Wire Testing for International Projects

When it comes to international greenhouse projects, there's more involved than simply supplying the right materials. Ensuring quality is essential—because when a component fails on-site, thousands of kilometers away, the consequences can be serious: delays, additional costs, and an unhappy customer. That’s why we regularly test our materials, as we recently did with a batch of polyester wire.

Reliability starts with the basics

This particular wire is used to support the screen fabric inside the greenhouse. At first glance, a spool of wire might seem like a simple product—but the differences in quality available on the market, and the impact of a break during or shortly after installation, can be significant. Especially abroad, where urgent replacements cost more time and money, and work grinds to a halt. That’s why every new batch is tested by default—a procedure that meets the standards of the HortiQ certificate and reflects our own commitment to reliable delivery.

How the test was carried out

The test was performed on March 25, 2025, by our warehouse technician Menno. He used a force gauge to assess the wire on several key characteristics:

• Tensile strength: tested up to 90 kg, while actual loads in use average around 50 kg;
• Fiber consistency and strength;
• Visual inspection for manufacturing defects;
• Abrasion resistance.

Menno has extensive experience with these types of tests. “We carry out these checks regularly. Not only to meet HortiQ standards, but especially to minimize the risk of failure on-site,” he explains.

Results and Reporting

As expected, the test results showed that the wire fully met all requirements. No deviations, no issues—exactly what we want to see. The test report has been added to the project documentation and included in the export file, allowing us to demonstrate that the delivered materials meet our quality standards.

Prevention is better than cure

For Menno, the value of this approach is obvious. “If you discover a problem during installation, it’s already too late. Work comes to a standstill, costs go up, and the customer is left waiting. These tests provide peace of mind—not just for us, but for everyone on site.” To Menno, it’s also a matter of pride. “It’s great to know that we’re not just delivering quality—we can prove it too. As a company, you want to show that you're trustworthy. And that starts with the basics: testing your materials before they ever leave the warehouse.”

HortiQ Certification

When you choose certainty, you choose quality. That’s why SchermNed has been HortiQ-certified since 2023. HortiQ is the independent quality label within horticultural technology. It guarantees that installations, processes, and procedures meet strict standards for reliability, safety, and professionalism. SchermNed was the first screen installation company in the Netherlands to achieve the HortiQ certificate. A major milestone that reinforces our position as a reliable partner in the national and international horticultural sector. The certificate confirms that our products and services are of high quality and that customers can rely on a professional and trustworthy approach.