posted by: heuchadmin When Besenthal Rollrasen, one of Germany’s leading turf growers, set out to solve the challenge of post-harvest turf deterioration, they turned to a technology that was about to transform their operations: vacuum cooling.
Their goal was simple yet ambitious — to deliver turf that stayed fresher for longer, travelled better, and delighted customers days after harvest. The results were immediate. By adopting vacuum cooling technology, Besenthal was able to dramatically extend the shelf life of their turf, reduce waste, and offer greater flexibility to their customers. And now, this same innovation brought to you by Heuch Cooling Solutions is reshaping the future for Australian turf growers.
Across the world, turf growers face a shared challenge: preserving quality between harvest and installation. Turf remains biologically active after cutting, trapping heat and moisture within densely packed pallets. The soil backing each roll acts like an insulator, allowing internal temperatures to soar — sometimes climbing past 60°C in just a few hours — triggering a process known as sod heating. The consequences are immediate: yellowing, spoilage, wasted product, missed deliveries, and lost revenue. Growers are locked into a race against time — a race that until now, has been difficult to win.
Recognising the need for a smarter solution, Heuch Cooling Solutions introduced vacuum cooling technology to the Australian turf market. Vacuum cooling works by lowering atmospheric pressure around the harvested turf, causing moisture to evaporate and rapidly cool the product. Within minutes, turf temperatures can drop from around 30°C to just 1°C.
By halting sod heating before it begins, vacuum cooling doesn’t just preserve freshness — it rewrites what’s possible for turf supply chains.
Besenthal’s experience speaks volumes. Using vacuum cooling, they were able to keep turf fresh, vibrant, and installation-ready for far longer periods — even across longer, more complex distribution networks. The result? Less waste, fewer lost sales, and a stronger reputation for delivering premium-quality turf, even under tough conditions.
Their success proved that with the right technology, freshness could be extended, logistics could be simplified, and turf operations could be revolutionised.
In March 2025, Heuch Cooling Solutions completed a landmark trial with a major turf grower here in Australia.
Freshly harvested pallets of Sir Walter and Eureka turf were cooled using vacuum technology.
Initial turf temperatures ranging between 26°C and 28°C were reduced to a crisp 2°C — in less than 35 minutes.
Turf maintained optimal low temperatures for over 40 hours, without the need for re-cooling.
Humidity stayed consistently high, preserving turf vitality while preventing dehydration.
Dew point and temperature tracking confirmed moisture was managed effectively, protecting against microbial risks.
Australian growers now have local proof that vacuum cooling is not just a theory — it’s a proven tool for protecting quality, profitability, and reputation.
For turf growers, the implications of this technology extend far beyond freshness. Vacuum cooling unlocks a series of competitive advantages:
In an increasingly competitive market, these advantages don’t just add value — they can define success.
Don’t miss out an exclusive presentation on this technology at the next Lawn Solutions Conference in the Gold Coast, 28-29 July.
👉 Learn more about Vacuum Cooling for Turf, Compost and Flowers HERE.
⬇ Download our Brochure on Vacuum Cooling for Turf HERE.
Heuch Cooling Solutions doesn’t stop at vacuum cooling. Their comprehensive approach to cold chain solutions includes:
As turf operations across Australia grow larger, faster, and more demanding, the need for smarter cooling solutions is only increasing.
Vacuum cooling doesn’t just help turf survive the journey — it helps growers thrive. It transforms what was once a race against time into a predictable, manageable process. It creates pathways for growth, profitability, and industry leadership.
With decades of engineering expertise and partnerships with leading technology innovators like Weber Group, Heuch Cooling Solutions ensures that Australian turf growers have access to world-class solutions — right here, right now.
From Europe to Australia, the future of turf is fresher, more flexible, and more profitable — and Heuch Cooling Solutions is proud to be leading the way. Learn more at www.heuch.com.au/turf, request a free quote at cool@heuch.com.au or click here to download a brochure.
Read the full piece and related articles in the latest edition of Turf Talk magazine below.
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