The Veggie team experiments on ISS are part of NASA's effort to provide "Space Plant Biology" of sustainable fresh food production, grown with Profile® Porous Ceramics and Florikan® controlled release fertilizer

Photo credit: NASA. These preflight images show the Red Robin dwarf tomato used for Veg-05 growing in Veggie hardware blended with Profile PPC and Florikan CRF at the Kennedy Space Center.

In a historic moment that could positively impact the future of food production, tomatoes will be grown in space for the first time thanks to the product solutions and technical expertise of Profile® Products, a leading developer and manufacturer of highly engineered specialty agriscience materials. The Red Robin tomato trials, which arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on November 26 as part of the SpaceX CRS-26 cargo mission, will be grown in Profile® Porous Ceramics (PPC) and Profile-produced Florikan® controlled release fertilizer for improved plant health and growth.

The Red Robin tomatoes will be fertilized with a proprietary blend of Florikan CRF 14-4-14 T 180 day and T 100 day. The blend will be further supplemented with a Florikan high potassium flowering special 0-0-19+9% Mg T 70 day flowering plant finisher in a controlled release fertilizer matrix. PPC provides the plant with a stabilized growing media to enhance the root zone for improved germination, increase oxygen levels, and improve water and nutrient retention.

The Red Robin tomatoes will also be grown on Earth as a controlled experiment using the same Florikan CRF and blends of PPC in school and home gardens as well as in KSC ground control labs. The crops will be compared to measure the effects of a zero-gravity environment on tomato growth. This will serve as a means to promote best management practices for sustainable agriculture on Earth.

“Whether on Earth or in space, our agriscience products and professional teams are ready to take on the challenge of providing a reliable growing solution when it matters most,” said Wes Martin, Profile’s vice president of horticulture/lawn and garden. “Through these trials, we hope to show that our products can grow nutritious food in unique conditions. The positive impact of such an efficient production system as what’s being used in space could reduce fertilizer applications in hydroponics, greenhouses and nurseries on Earth, resulting in less labor and reducing environmental run off.”

The study, NASA’s VEG-05 experiment, is designed to provide healthy and nutritious diets for astronauts on long-duration exploration missions. It will focus on several factors, including fertilizer and light spectrum on fruit production, microbial food safety and the overall behavioral health benefits of having plants and fresh food in space. In initial ground testing, the dwarf cherry tomato variety grew well in Profile’s products and produced a large crop.

For decades, Profile’s products have been used in several innovative trials in space. Recently, the products have been used as part of chile pepper production on the ISS, which helped inform the tomato study happening now. Additionally, Profile Porous Ceramics and Florikan CRF have been used for studies with NASA’s Vegetable Production System, or “Veggie,” to successfully produce a variety of leafy greens using Florikan 18-6-8.

Article Source: Melissa Gaskill, ISS Program Research Office, NASA; with editing by Ana Guzman and Ed Rosenthal, Space Technology Hall of Fame

With the acquisition of Quick Plug, Profile Products expands its robust horticulture product line and establishes the company’s foothold in the controlled environment agriculture space.

Profile® Products announced the acquisition of Quick Plug, a leading manufacturer of bonded growing media for plant propagation. This acquisition from Dümmen Orange, a prominent floriculture company based in the Netherlands, includes all Quick Plug products, technologies, employees, and best-in-class facilities in the Netherlands, Canada, and Oregon, U.S.

“With the addition of Quick Plug, we are able to not only expand our offerings to current ornamental customers and the controlled environment agriculture market, but support food production to ensure food security around the world,” said Jim Tanner, CEO of Profile Products. “We are excited to bring on board a like-minded team that shares our strategic vision of growth through innovative technology to deliver reliable products.” 

“Initially focused on improving the propagation of tropical plants, Quick Plug has successfully grown and developed its portfolio beyond the horticultural sector,” said Hugo Noordhoek Hegt, CEO of Dümmen Orange. “With the acquisition by Profile Products, we believe that Quick Plug has found a great new home for further expansion. Dümmen Orange will continue to focus on its core activities in horticultural breeding and propagation.”

The acquisition expands Profile’s growing media product portfolio beyond the essential inputs of peat, coir, controlled release fertilizer, and HydraFiber® advanced substrate. Quick Plug stabilized media products increase germination rates and effectively manage water to create healthy root systems and robust growth. By combining Quick Plug and Profile’s expertise and innovative products, customers will be able to create optimum growing media solutions to support urban food production and enhance the cultivation of all young plants.

As the fourth acquisition in two years, and second in three months, Profile’s horticulture division is rapidly growing. The company will soon open a new manufacturing facility to further increase production. Through the Quick Plug acquisition, Profile is further solidifying its position as a reliable supplier of sustainable products. 

“We are proud to join Profile’s hard-working team, who shares our vision of bringing sustainable solutions to meet growers’ needs,” said Brian Kura, managing director of Quick Plug. “By combining our product offerings and technologies, we can provide better customer guidance and innovative product solutions.”

Quick Plug joins Profile’s extensive global footprint, which includes proven technologies for erosion control, horticulture, specialty agriculture, sports field conditioning, and golf course construction and maintenance.  

About Profile Products
Based in Buffalo Grove, Ill., PROFILE Products LLC is a leading developer and manufacturer of highly engineered specialty agriscience materials that promote environmental sustainability while delivering superior performance for horticulture, erosion control, sports turf and other specialty applications. It’s Profile’s mission to consistently help our customers establish sustainable green space through water and soil management and plant establishment. We accomplish this by bringing our knowledgeable people, proven products, groundbreaking technology and personal services on-site to holistically meet real-world applications — assuring success in any environment. For more information call (800) 508-8681, +1-847-215-1144, email info@profileproducts.com or visit profileproducts.com.

About Quick Plug
Quick Plug combines the forces of Grow-Tech Inc. (US), Quick Plug (NL) and Omni Growing Solutions (US). These three companies together form one independent group that operates in the global rooting substrate market. With our combined network of production and distribution facilities, we are uniquely positioned to service commercial growers and wholesalers worldwide. This collaboration brings together 75 years of combined knowledge and experience. Quick Plug offers a wide variety of product ranges and formulations for the cultivation of young plants. For more information, visit na.quickplug.global. 

About Dümmen Orange 
Dümmen Orange is a global leader in the breeding and propagation of cut flowers, bulbs, tropical plants, pot plants, bedding plants and perennials. Its annual turnover is about 370 million euro. The company employs 7.500 people worldwide. In addition to a large marketing and sales network, Dümmen Orange has a diversified network of specialized production sites and a world class R&D team developing innovative, value-added products for customers. The key to Dümmen Orange’s success is a broad and deep product range, supported by a global supply chain. The company embraces its social responsibilities and invests in the health, safety and personal development of its staff as well as the sector it serves. For more information, visit na.dummenorange.com.
 

Profile® Products is pleased to announce Chris Quinlan joined the team as regional sales manager of the North Central territory for erosion control and vegetation.

“Chris is an exciting addition to our team with his agronomic experience and knowledge of the distribution management and manufacturing process,” said Profile’s national sales manager Damon Sump. “His proven and creative initiatives will directly increase and accelerate territory growth.”

At Profile, Quinlan will be responsible for leveraging his record of leadership, distributor relationships and organizational abilities in the North Central territory. Before joining Profile, Quinlan was a territory sales manager at Brandt, Inc. and territory manager with Barenburg USA.

Quinlan holds 20 years of experience in turf, ornamental horticulture and agriculture. Additionally, he has extensive erosion control experience, making him a true asset for the Profile team.

Greg Heisler has been selected as the new chief operating officer (COO) of Profile® Products.

As COO, Heisler will be responsible for all manufacturing operations and related functions within Profile, including quality management, planning, supply chain monitoring and the safety and health of manufacturing employees.

“Greg’s focus on continuous improvement and his entrepreneurial spirit allows him to lead employees while creating safe, efficient manufacturing operations,” said president of Profile Shane Porzio. “His wealth of skill and knowledge will position the company for profitable growth and ensures we are putting high-quality product on the shelves for our customers.”

Before joining Profile, Heisler was the COO of Aalberts IPS Americas. Prior to that, he held several leadership roles for well-known multinationals such as Jeld-Wen, Siemens and Linde.

Profile® Products is pleased to announce the hiring of Colin Ewart as Key Accounts Manager.

“We are excited to have Colin join the Profile team,” said Profile’s vice president of international sales Wally Butman. “Colin brings an outstanding track record of sales leadership in the erosion control and stormwater management industries, and he has a passion for the new technologies being offered in the marketplace today.” 

At Profile, Ewart will be responsible for growing strategic relationships with key distribution partners, large scale end users and key influencers in the Western United States. Before joining Profile, Ewart was a commercial sales director at Filtrexx International and district sales manager at Ecolab. 

“Profile has a culture of accountability and friendly competition that leads a dynamic and energetic industry,” Ewart said. “I’m excited to join Profile Products’ erosion control team.” 

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. (September 7, 2022) – Profile® Products recently earned the renowned Veriflora Responsibly Managed Peatlands designation for its family of Sunterra sphagnum peat products.

The Veriflora Responsibly Managed Peatlands program is the world’s leading certification process for sustainable peat moss cultivation. Certified producers must demonstrate a commitment to ecosystem protection, integrated waste management and support for worker’s rights. Certified companies are audited on an annual basis to ensure consistent quality.

“This certification signals to customers that Sunterra products are harvested in a responsible way and that our company is an outstanding citizen in the global horticulture community,” said Wes Martin, vice president – horticulture/lawn & garden. “It reinforces our commitment to the industry and defines us as both environmentally and economically sustainable.”

To earn this certification, companies must apply and go through a rigorous audit process with SCS Global Services (SCS). SCS has been providing global leadership in third-party quality, environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing and standards development for three decades. 

Sunterra is a premium Canadian sphagnum peat moss producer featuring fibrous blonde peat that is ideal for commercial growers. 

To learn more about Sunterra products, please visit sunterrahorticulture.com. 

About Profile Products
Based in Buffalo Grove, Ill., PROFILE Products LLC is a leading developer and manufacturer of highly engineered specialty agriscience materials that promote environmental sustainability while delivering superior performance for horticulture, erosion control, sports turf and other specialty applications. It’s Profile’s mission to consistently help our customers establish sustainable green space through water and soil management and plant establishment. We accomplish this by bringing our knowledgeable people, proven products, groundbreaking technology and personal services on-site to holistically meet real world applications—assuring success in any environment. For more information call (800) 508-8681, email info@profileproducts.com or visit profileproducts.com.

About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit scsglobalservices.com. Learn more about Responsibly Managed Peatlands Certification here.
 

The acquisition will complement Profile’s robust horticultural product lines to round out the company’s raw material offerings.

Profile® Products announced the acquisition of Nivetha Exporters, a leading international producer of high-quality coco coir products. The transaction includes all Nivetha product lines, as well as the company’s best-in-class facilities in Southern India and dedicated employee base. As part of the acquisition, Nivetha has been renamed to CoirSci.

“This acquisition is the next step in our evolution to round out our strong portfolio of offerings and ensure our customers can easily and readily find the substrate solution they need for their horticultural operations, all from one manufacturer,” said Jim Tanner, CEO of Profile Products. “Nivetha has a strong industry reputation as a reliable coco coir supplier, and we are excited to work with their innovative team to deliver on that consistency for our grower and blender customers.”

The acquisition augments Profile’s robust raw material selection that now includes peat, coir and HydraFiber®, engineered fiber solution, as well as controlled release fertilizer products. Customers will be able to leverage the expertise of Profile and Nivetha to efficiently develop a media mix solution that’s right for their business.

This is the third acquisition in two years for Profile Products’ rapidly growing horticultural division and follows on the heels of the company’s expanded manufacturing capacity of HydraFiber, the company’s flagship horticultural product. Through these investments, Profile Products is strengthening its position as a reliable supplier in a market where it is increasingly difficult to find recurring, sustainable materials.

“We are proud to join a purpose-driven and sustainability-minded company that shares our vision of strategic growth through key partnerships,” said Vivek Sivanandum, owner of Nivetha. “Through our combined expertise and capital, we have the opportunity to provide more choices, invest in additional research and development, and form new synergies that will increase value for our customers and our team.”

Nivetha joins Profile’s extensive global portfolio, which includes proven technologies for erosion control, horticulture, sports field conditioning, and golf course construction and maintenance. 

About Profile Products
Based in Buffalo Grove, Ill., PROFILE Products LLC is a leading developer and manufacturer of highly engineered specialty agriscience materials that promote environmental sustainability while delivering superior performance for horticulture, erosion control, sports turf and other specialty applications. It’s Profile’s mission to consistently help our customers establish sustainable green space through water and soil management and plant establishment. We accomplish this by bringing our knowledgeable people, proven products, groundbreaking technology and personal services on-site to holistically meet real world applications—assuring success in any environment. For more information call (800) 508-8681, email info@profileproducts.com or visit profileproducts.com.

About Nivetha 
Nivetha manufactures high-quality coco coir products with factory operations at two different locations in Southern India. Since 1996, the business has proven its promise to manufacture and reliably supply quality coco products to its global clients. For more information visit profilecoir.com/nivetha.