"Our answer to the challenges of our industry is performance."
Sven Hoping on current market developments, new products for the horticultural industry and climate protection
Sven Hoping is responsible for the TEKU® division at plastics specialist Pöppelmann in Lohne, which specialises in plastic products for professional horticulture. In this interview, he talks about why on-time-delivery and inventory levels, investments in new products and future-proof technologies are the right signal for the industry right now.
Mr Hoping, how do you assess the current situation in the horticulture industry?
The general conditions have undoubtedly become more challenging. In a fast-changing world, many companies are under high-cost pressure. A shortage of skilled workers and rising personnel costs in a declining market are putting additional pressure on horticulture. These developments are leading to a decline in investment willingness and noticeable uncertainty throughout the industry.
How is Pöppelmann TEKU® responding to this situation?
In these challenging times, on-time delivery and quality are our top priorities. As a long-term, reliable partner to our customers, we also invest in future-proof processes and innovative products. A clear example of this is the recently completed conversion of the TEKU division® to a new ERP system – a deliberate step that clearly underlines our long-term focus on horticulture.
What does this mean for your customers in concrete terms?
Even though the summer months are currently bringing us an above-average number of orders with short delivery times, we are already looking ahead and starting to build up stock for the coming season. This requires the full commitment of our entire team, every day. Because for us, the highest performance for our customers, i.e. reliable on-time-delivery and the highest quality, is our top priority – not only in quiet times, but especially under high pressure and in intense market situations.
You also mention investments in new products. What can the industry expect?
The main aim of our new developments is to increase efficiency in businesses and further improve automation processes. The new VCL/VCM series of thermoformed plant pots meets these expectations, as does the new MCN series, which offers new container solutions for tree nurseries. With the MAO hanging baskets series, we are supporting horticultural businesses to improve their crop management and plant quality. And, of course, we continue to offer a wide range of trays – with even more reusable solutions in the future.
More sustainability, the top issue in recent years, has taken a back seat for many companies due to a variety of other crises. What is Pöppelmann's position on this?
For us, resource conservation and climate protection in the development of our products is not an option but has long been standard practice. Our PÖPPELMANN blue initiative® brings together the measures taken at company level, e.g. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At TEKU® , we are consciously developing closed-loop products for this purpose with our Circular360 product category. Except of a few special products, all our products are now recyclable and made from recycled materials. This makes us one of the largest processors of PCR in Europe and shows that more resource conservation and climate protection are not extra tasks but are integrated into our product development.
How is Pöppelmann shaping its digital orientation for the future and which projects are at the forefront?
We have set up our own Digital Lab to work even better and more efficiently on the development of new, contemporary products and processes. Our customers are welcome to visit us and experience this for themselves. With "MIA", we have also developed our own AI solution, which supports us as a silent, outstanding assistance in a wide range of everyday tasks.
What gives Pöppelmann the confidence to pursue this course so resolutely?
As a family-owned company, Pöppelmann has a strong foundation. Our company group of four divisions serves different markets. We can compensate for any market weaknesses in one area with strengths in another. This enables us to make targeted investments and continue to develop, even in challenging times. As a result, we will remain a reliable partner to our customers in the horticultural industry in the future.
