Interview with Andreas Freutsmiedl

Andreas has been working at NOWOFOL for over 27 years and is an indispensable driver of innovation in the field of fluoropolymer films. For him, the continuous development of products is the top priority. This is how the greenhouse film NOWOGREEN® ET, was created as a joint project by NOWOFOL and Hueck Folien, a specialist in film coating.

Andreas, where did the idea of developing a greenhouse film come from?

“Innovation is part of NOWOFOL’s daily business. We are constantly asking ourselves how we can further improve our films and open up new applications. As part of an innovation funding program, a brainstorming session led to the idea of developing a greenhouse film made of ETFE with optimal light diffusion and an anti-drop coating.
ETFE film (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer film) is one of our core competencies and has already proven itself many times in the field of architecture. 
It is extremely strong, lightweight, and durable, making it a very popular material for roofing applications.”

In record time, we drew up plans defining the properties our greenhouse film should have and how to implement them. It quickly became clear that we would need a new process technology and a strong partner for the coating. We developed a new production line to produce the matted greenhouse film and with Hueck we had a reliable coating partner. In a nutshell, this is how the NOWOGREEN® ET film was created.”

What makes NOWOGREEN® ET special?

” Its particular strength lies in the chemical composition of the film. Fluoropolymer films are exceptionally robust and durable compared to other plastic materials and are almost indestructible under extreme conditions such as hail, frost or exposure to chemical substances. In addition, the film is classified as flame-retardant, meaning it meets the required standards worldwide. Thanks to its high tear strength, even damage can be easily repaired without uncontrolled tearing. Unlike glass, it does not produce dangerous shards. NOWOGREEN® ET  is also extremely UV-resistant, does not yellow, and achieves a lifetime of over 20 years.

The anti-drop coating prevents the formation of condensation, allowing droplets to run off to the sides and protecting plants from uncontrolled dripping. In addition, the film is fully recyclable and can be produced in thicknesses ranging from 50 to 500 µm.”

How does the production of this film work?

“The film is produced entirely in-house at NOWOFOL, after which the anti-drop coating is applied at Hueck Folien. We design and build our own production lines so that they are optimally tailored to our quality standards.” 

Speaking of quality standards: NOWOFOL’s brand promise is “Performance at its best.” Can NOWOGREEN® ET live up to this promise?

“Absolutely. We do not settle for mediocrity, and this applies not only to our film but to the entire company.

Apart from the raw material, NOWOFOL does everything itself. Ultimately, this is what makes us a leading manufacturer in the film sector. From planning and production to quality assurance and logistics, everything at NOWOFOL takes place at one location in Siegsdorf. This enables fast responses and maximum control.

Although another company is involved in NOWOGREEN® ET because we do not have our own coating facilities, every film must be approved by our quality assurance department after coating.”

Would you say that NOWOGREEN® ET is the future of greenhouse film?

“Without a doubt. ETFE offers a versatility and performance that is clearly superior to glass and conventional PE films. For me, NOWOGREEN® ET is a future-oriented material in greenhouse construction.”