FP 12+ Technology: 12 months structural stability for professional growing
Patented Fiber Protection technology combines long shelf life with full biodegradability - without toxic chemicals
The breakthrough in sustainable propagation technology
FP 12+ (Fiber Protection 12+) is a revolutionary technology that solves the fundamental problem of paper growing solutions: short lifespan. Traditional paper trays often break down too quickly in moist greenhouse conditions, making them impractical for professional applications. FP 12+ changes this completely.
This patented technology guarantees at least 12 months structural integrity under active growing conditions, while maintaining full biodegradability. For professional growers this means: reliable planning, no failures from collapsing trays, and complete control over the production process from seed to sale.
What exactly is FP 12+ technology?
FP 12+ is a patented process where natural cellulose fibers are treated with a special protective coating. This coating strengthens the molecular structure of paper fibers without compromising biodegradability.
The working principle is elegant: the coating forms a protective layer around each fiber, making it resistant to constant moisture exposure without disintegrating. At the same time, the porous structure of the paper remains intact, which is essential for air root formation and drainage.
Unlike conventional water-repellent treatments that often contain plastics or toxic chemicals, FP 12+ uses exclusively natural, plant-based extracts. This makes the product completely safe for plants, staff, and the environment.
The 12+ in the name stands for the guaranteed minimum lifespan: 12 months structural stability under professional growing conditions. In practice, trays often remain functional for 15-18 months, depending on specific conditions.
The science behind FP 12+ fiber protection
Cellulose, the main component of paper, is naturally hygroscopic - it attracts and easily absorbs water. In wet environments, cellulose fibers swell, become weaker, and eventually break down. This process, called hydrolytic degradation, is why traditional paper quickly disintegrates in water.
FP 12+ technology slows this degradation by creating a hydrophobic (water-repellent) molecular layer around fibers. This layer prevents water molecules from making direct contact with cellulose structures, dramatically slowing hydrolysis.
Crucially, this protection is selective: the coating blocks liquid water but allows water vapor through. This means trays resist irrigation and humid greenhouse air, yet can still "breathe". This breathing property prevents mold growth and anaerobic conditions that damage plant roots.
Laboratory tests show that FP 12+ treated fibers retain 85-90% of their original tensile strength after 12 months continuous exposure to saturated potting soil conditions. Untreated paper loses >95% strength within 4-6 weeks under the same conditions.
Biodegradability is fully preserved because the protective coating itself is also organic and co-composts. After transplanting into soil, the coating gradually breaks down by soil microorganisms, followed by the cellulose fibers themselves. Complete composting occurs within 8-12 weeks in active soil.
The FP 12+ treatment process
Production of FP 12+ paper plug trays begins with selection of high-quality cellulose pulp from sustainable forest management (FSC certified). This pulp is first formed into the tray structure with individual plug cells, identical to conventional paper trays.
After forming, trays undergo the patented FP 12+ treatment process. This consists of multiple steps: first, the tray is immersed in a solution containing the protective natural extracts. This solution penetrates deep into the fiber structure through capillary action.
Next, excess moisture is removed and trays undergo a controlled drying process at specific temperature and humidity. This curing process is crucial - it ensures the protective molecules correctly bind to cellulose fibers and form a durable coating.
The final step is quality control: each production batch is tested for tensile strength, water resistance, and dimensional stability. Only trays meeting strict FP 12+ standards are released for sale.
The entire process is environmentally neutral: no toxic chemicals, no heavy metals, and all process water is filtered and reused. The carbon footprint of FP 12+ production is 70-80% lower than plastic tray production.
Benefits of FP 12+ technology for your nursery
Guaranteed 12 months lifespan
Structural integrity guaranteed for at least one full season. Plan with confidence, no unexpected failures from collapsing trays during critical growth phases.
Full biodegradability
Despite longer lifespan, FP 12+ paper composts completely within 8-12 weeks after transplanting. No plastic waste, meets EU Green Deal requirements.
Consistent performance
Every tray performs identically, regardless of when you use it within the 12-month period. No degradation in storage, always reliable quality.
Optimal moisture regulation
Protection against excessive water absorption while drainage is maintained. Perfect moisture balance for healthy root development without water stress.
Safe for plants and staff
No toxic chemicals, heavy metals, or harmful additives. 100% safe for use in organic cultivation, safe contact for staff.
Cost-effective
Longer shelf life means less inventory rotation, no losses from premature degradation. Order bulk for better prices without worrying about spoilage.
Experience FP 12+ stability
12 months guaranteed lifespan for reliable professional growing.
Order FP 12+ TraysFP 12+ vs conventional solutions
Traditional paper trays without protective treatment are cheap but impractical for serious commercial production. They last maximum 4-6 weeks in wet conditions before weakening and collapsing. For longer growing periods, they are simply unreliable.
Plastic trays are durable but create environmental problems and result in transplant shock. They must be cleaned and stored between seasons, costing labor and warehouse space. Moreover, plastic solutions are becoming increasingly unacceptable to retailers and consumers.
Some alternative "biodegradable" trays use bioplastics like PLA or PHA. These materials sound green but require industrial composting at high temperatures (55-60°C) rarely present in horticultural compost. Under normal soil conditions, they degrade hardly faster than conventional plastic.
FP 12+ combines the best of both worlds: the long lifespan and reliability of plastic, with the environmental friendliness and plant benefits of paper. Growers report that switching to FP 12+ significantly reduces their operational complexity while improving results.
Cost-benefit analyses show FP 12+ trays break-even with plastic within 6-8 months when you include labor costs (cleaning), storage costs, and improved plant performance. After that, FP 12+ is cheaper while you also realize environmental benefits.
FP 12+ in practice: real-world results
A large Dutch vegetable plant grower switched from plastic to FP 12+ trays for their tomato plant production in 2023. Result after one season: 40% labor savings by eliminating tray cleaning, 0% tray failure (vs 2-3% plastic tray cracks previously), and 18% faster cycle times through better root development.
German tree nurseries use FP 12+ for young container plants. The longer stability is crucial because their typical growing period is 8-10 months. "FP 12+ trays are the first paper solution that can support our complete production cycle", according to a production manager of a 50 hectare operation in Niedersachsen.
Belgian ornamental cultivation companies especially value the consistent performance during storage. "We now buy our annual supply in bulk during low season and know for sure trays are still perfect in peak season. With old paper trays we had 10-15% degradation in storage", reports a procurement manager.
Cannabis growers (where legal) are early adopters of FP 12+ because of stress-free transplanting and optimal root zone conditions. The porous but stable structure proves ideal for the sensitive root zones of high-value crops. Some nurseries report 8-12% higher yields attributable to superior propagation conditions.
Vertical farming operations use FP 12+ in automated systems. The consistent dimensions and high structural integrity enable robotic handling without special grippers or increased failure rates. This was impossible with standard paper trays that varied too much in strength.
Quality testing and certification
Lumora performs rigorous quality controls on each production batch. FP 12+ trays are tested according to international standards for packaging materials and sustainability certification.
Structural tests include: compression resistance (vertical load test), tensile strength of cell walls, dimensional stability after water exposure, and fatigue tests (repeated wet/dry cycles). Trays must achieve at least 95% of specifications to receive approval.
Biodegradability is validated according to EN 13432 (EU standard for industrial compostability) and ASTM D6400 (American equivalent). Independent laboratories confirm complete biodegradation within 90 days under composting conditions, and within 180 days in normal garden soil.
Safety certification: FP 12+ trays are tested and approved for use in organic farming according to EU Organic Regulation 2018/848. No detectable residues of heavy metals, pesticides, or harmful additives.
Tracking and traceability: Each tray has a batch code enabling full traceability to raw material origin, production date, and quality test results. This complies with food safety requirements for growers supplying supermarkets and retail.
Implementing FP 12+ in your operation
Switching to FP 12+ is simple and requires no changes to your existing growing process. The trays work identically to conventional plug trays for filling, seeding, and irrigation. Your staff needs to learn no new skills.
Storage of FP 12+ trays is more flexible than plastic. They are lighter and stackable, reducing warehouse space by 40-60%. Store them in dry conditions (relative humidity <70%) on ventilated pallets. Under these conditions, they remain perfectly usable for at least 12 months.
For optimal results: fill trays with your standard seeding or potting soil, irrigate normally, and follow your usual feeding schedule. FP 12+ paper is pH neutral and does not affect nutrient balance. No adjustments needed in EC or pH management.
Transplanting works the same as with other paper plugs: plant the entire plug directly into the ground or final pot. Roots penetrate easily through the paper without resistance. Post-transplant irrigation activates the natural breakdown process of the coating.
We recommend starting with a pilot program: order one pallet of FP 12+ trays and test parallel with your current system in one greenhouse section. Monitor growth results, root development, and operational efficiency. Document savings in labor and materials. After validation, you can scale up with confidence.
Lumora offers technical support during implementation: our agronomists help with optimal settings for your specific crops, and operations consultants advise on inventory management and workflow integration. This service is free for new customers.
Experience FP 12+ reliability in your nursery
Order today and get 12 months guaranteed stability without compromising sustainability.
Order FP 12+ Paper Plug Trays