A milestone in sustainable production: Koppert is building a modern, large-scale and fully climate-controlled breeding facility for flour moths (Ephestia) in Berkel en Rodenrijs. The innovative 3,500 m² production hall is being realized in collaboration with Certhon’s state-of-the-art climate technology and represents a world first in biological insect production.
Flour moths play a crucial role in Koppert’s biological production chain. “This is our first production facility of this scale and complexity,” says Bram Klein, Project Leader at Koppert. “The new installations ensure a more stable and efficient production process. This allows us to continue providing our customers with reliable, sustainable solutions.”
Smart climate technology for a living system
Certhon is responsible for the design and realization of the complete climate installation, including air handling units, cooling systems and the Certhon Control System (CCS). For Certhon, this is the first project within insect farming and it demonstrates how flexible and scalable their solutions are.
“The system continuously adjusts the climate to the biology of the flour moths,” explains Jaap Weerheim, Technical Specialist at Certhon. “This creates a stable climate with minimal energy consumption, precisely aligned with natural processes.”
Biology and technology strengthen each other
The collaboration between Koppert and Certhon illustrates how natural and technological innovations go hand in hand in the agriculture of the future. “Koppert shows that nature itself offers solutions to agricultural challenges,” says Weerheim. “Our technology makes it possible to apply those biological processes in a controlled and scalable way.”
Construction of the new facility has already started. At the beginning of 2026, the air handling units were placed on the steel structure, marking an important milestone in the construction phase. Commissioning of the breeding facility is scheduled for 2026.
