Day 2 at IPM ESSEN 2026 felt even more focused and technical. The morning started strong with back-to-back meetings in the substrate and propagation zones, where growers and technical buyers were laser-focused on performance metrics: drainage curves, re-wettability, root-zone oxygen levels, and—most importantly—starting EC values that don’t require extra rinsing cycles.
Our ultra-low EC coco coir (consistently below 0.1 mS/cm after standard washing and buffering) became the star of many conversations. Growers told us they’re tired of spending time and water on double-washing standard coir, only to still see variability between batches. When they tested our samples side-by-side, the difference was clear: immediate usability, stable pH in the sweet spot (5.5–6.5), and no early nutrient lockout risks. Several propagation specialists noted that this level of consistency lets them push tighter fertigation programs from day one, especially for high-value young plants and ornamentals.
Beyond the current product line, we opened up about our R&D pipeline, which excited a lot of forward-thinking visitors:
- Next-generation coir blends incorporating biochar and other carbon-sequestering additives to further improve long-term structure and microbial activity
- Smart coir substrates with embedded sensor-friendly properties (better compatibility with wireless moisture/EC probes)
- Ongoing trials on enzyme-enhanced coir processing to push EC even lower while preserving natural beneficial compounds
- Exploring hybrid formulations that integrate controlled-release bio-stimulants directly into the fiber matrix for reduced input use
These aren’t just concepts—many are already in small-scale commercial testing, and the feedback here at the show is helping us prioritize which directions to accelerate. Growers repeatedly emphasized that they want renewable media that not only replaces peat but actually performs better in precision growing systems, and that’s exactly the gap cocoX is targeting.
The day ended with strong interest from a few larger nursery groups looking for reliable, scalable supply of our ultra-low EC grades as they phase out peat over the next 2–3 years. It’s rewarding to see how our core focus—combining coconut’s natural advantages with serious R&D and technology—resonates so well in this market.
#cocoX #IPMESSEN #UltraLowEC #CoconutCoir #HorticultureR&D #SustainableSubstrates