Italian SME specialized in bio-architecture and eco-design projects as well as recreating natural habitats for tropical plants and epiphytes is offering its innovative vase and vertical panels for plant cultivation under commercial agreements.

Summary

Profile Type

Business Offer

POD Reference

BOIT20230621016

Term of Validity

23 June 2023 - 22 June 2025

Company's Country

Italy

Type of partnership

Commercial agreement

Targeted Countries

All countries

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General information

Short Summary

An Italian SME – located in Northern Italy and operating from 2020 – specializes in forms of art with greenery. It offers two innovative products for plant cultivation: a cylindric vase and vertical panels. Both products are intended to reproduce and stimulate authentic tropical natural scenes for interior design purposes. The SME is looking for potential partners to scale-up internationally.

Full Description

The Lombardy-based Italian SME has been working on bio-architecture and eco-design projects since 2020.
The company wants to offer these two of its core products:

1) a cutting-edge cylindric cultivation vase.
The ability of many plants to survive and thrive in various substrates from the ground and in support of aerial structures such as branches or rocks is known as epiphytism, and this product replicates it.
The cylinder was selected because it is the ideal shape for allowing each plant's roots to be securely secured and it is perfect in terms of design, moisture propagation, and plant growth.
An old mixture of mineral-rich clays, combined clays, and powdered volcanic lapillus is produced. As a result, a thick, smooth clay will be produced, which will then be worked on a lathe with water to form into a cylinder. After being sandblasted, it will display its own toughness before drying out.
The cylindrical vase was intended to be rough for three reasons:
1. to allow easy colonization by ensuring simple and stable anchoring to the roots of the plants.
2. for the increased surface tension that will follow, keeping more moisture and preventing damaging water buildups and consequent drips.
3. it increases the surface area for evaporation and transpiration, which helps to lower temperatures.
It is necessary to bake at a temperature above 1400° C when forging the cylindric shape.
Furthermore, the requirement to prevent contamination of the contents made the inclusion of a lid necessary. By obstructing light and toxins, the chance of the development of algae and mold is reduced, as is the likelihood that the water inside would rot. All of this was considered because the obstruction of the transpiration system, which negatively affects other goods’ functionality and durability over time, is one of their key shortcomings. This approach ensures that the product will last longer and perform better in the short and long terms.
Three reasons led to the development of the lid:
1. securing any surface where the vase will be placed.
2. to prevent drips if we ever need to vaporize the outside and the plants in the vase.
3. its role in cooling and humidifying the area of air immediately around the cylinder.
This vase reacts excellently to the needs of many types of epiphytic and tropical plants thanks to its unique physical-structural features, blending seamlessly into a home or office setting and providing suggestive pieces of nature.

2) Vertical panels used for plant cultivation to give both the observer and the plants a perfectly natural appearance. The goal is to build a "window" that immerses the viewer in a natural environment free of any visual artifice, such as pots, supports, or mechanical modules; everything is seamless and immersive.
Because they are created to order, panels have great moisture and thermal insulation between them and the installation environment. They are also made of strong materials that guarantee long-term endurance. Panels come in three different variations:
1. the basic design consists of a sturdy, durable frame that is waterproofed and has an integrated irrigation system to provide the plants with the water they require. It is made to guarantee appropriate water distribution and to offer suitable root support.
2. integrated version has all the characteristics of the standard version plus integrated technologies like humidity sensors, programmable artificial lighting, and environmental controls to provide the plants with the best possible environment for growth.
3. advanced version includes all the features of the integrated version in addition to offering more sophisticated choices including an air filtration system, a water misting pump, and a remote monitoring system for managing and controlling the panel remotely.
High levels of customization are available.

To expand its business and develop long-term commercial partnerships, the SME is looking for new partners across the globe.

Advantages and Innovations

The structural basis for the cylindric cultivation vase is a property known as "open porosity": while the clay cooks, water and gases inside it expand, causing microporosity throughout the entire piece. In this instance, the dough's unique properties have accentuated this trait; in fact, the creation of these porosities is intensified because of reduced dimensions and a denser and more even distribution.
Another crucial component is electromagnetism: in contrast to clay, water's electrostatic charge creates friction, which prevents dripping because of the friction it produces. This outcome is what causes the water to move more slowly through the pores, limiting leaks outside the cylinder and facilitating easy control.
The terracotta from which the items are constructed can draw water particles extremely easily because of this specific porosity. This feature has been used to further enhance the vase's functioning by enabling the deployment of a system to precisely control the levels of humidity that are being transported between the interior and the surface.
This method, which makes use of the cooperative efforts of clay, absorbent material, and waterfall, has been called "velamen-revers", which is essentially an adaptation of orchid roots. The white, fleecy parts that cover them and absorb and release water to the roots control the flow. The offered inventive cylinder functions similarly. The porous clay and the spongy inside of the cylinder cooperate to regulate the water flow. Water covers the whole surface of the cylinder without dripping as it flows from inside to outside.
This flow can also, if necessary, lower the temperature by 4° while moistening plants' roots. Instead, regarding the vertical panels, the SME can determine the proper values to create a micro-biome that permits proper vegetation growth, ensuring optimal health and the consequent beauty of the plants through the study of each individual panel and the use of technological implementation systems.

Stage of Development

Already on the market

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

IPR status

Secret know-how

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner

The company is looking for partners in order to expand its business in foreign markets.
In this case the cooperation is envisaged under a commercial or distribution agreement. Further details shall be discussed directly with potential partners.

Type and Size of Partner