Koppert, nature based agricultural innovation company, is developing a large scale, fully climate controlled production facility for flour moths (Ephestia) in Berkel en Rodenrijs, the Netherlands, in collaboration with greenhouse and climate technology specialist Certhon. The facility comprises a 3,500 square metre production hall designed to support industrial scale breeding of insects that are integral to Koppert’s biological crop protection chain. The project is positioned to strengthen operational consistency across biological production processes that depend on precise timing, quality and volume.
Role of Flour Moths in Biological Crop Protection
Within Koppert’s production system, flour moths play a central role as part of the biological chain that supports the manufacture of natural crop protection solutions. The performance of downstream processes is closely linked to the reliability of insect breeding operations. As a result, controlled production conditions are critical. The Berkel en Rodenrijs facility is Koppert’s first insect breeding installation of this scale and technical complexity, reflecting a strategic move toward purpose-built infrastructure that can support higher volumes under stable environmental conditions.
According to Koppert, scaling production within a dedicated, climate controlled environment is intended to improve process stability and reproducibility when compared with smaller or less automated setups. The company expects the new facility to contribute to a more predictable production flow, supporting its ability to supply customers with consistent biological products.
Climate Infrastructure Tailored to Living Systems
Certhon is responsible for the complete climate installation at the site, encompassing air handling units, cooling systems and the Certhon Control System (CCS). The climate solution has been designed around the biological needs of the flour moths rather than fixed technical parameters. Temperature, humidity and airflow are continuously regulated in response to the insects’ biological processes and different life stages, allowing the environment to adjust dynamically as conditions change.
This adaptive approach is intended to maintain stable breeding conditions while limiting unnecessary energy use. By aligning the climate more closely with natural biological rhythms, the system supports efficient production without over regulation. For Certhon, the project represents its first application of climate technology within insect farming, demonstrating how its systems can be adapted beyond traditional greenhouse environments to support living production systems.
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Scalability and System Flexibility
A key aspect of the installation is its modular architecture. Certhon’s system has been designed to allow adjustments as production volumes increase or as biological parameters evolve. This flexibility is particularly relevant in insect breeding, where biological variability can place changing demands on climate control infrastructure. The ability to scale and fine tune the system is intended to support long-term operational resilience as Koppert’s production requirements develop.
Construction Progress and Next Phases
Construction of the facility is currently underway. In early 2026, the air handling units were installed on the steel structure, marking an important phase in the construction process. This step enabled further integration of the climate systems within the building framework. The remaining construction and installation phases will focus on completing the climate infrastructure and validating system performance in line with biological requirements.
Commissioning of the breeding facility is scheduled for later in 2026, following full integration and testing of the climate control systems. Once operational, the Berkel en Rodenrijs site will function as a dedicated production environment for large scale flour moth breeding under controlled industrial conditions, supporting Koppert’s broader biological crop protection operations.