First Horticultural System Certified to UL 8800

LDS UL 8800 Horticultural System

January 28, 2022

Urbanization means that consumers live largely unaware of the process of growing farm-fresh vegetables, and yet experts predict increasing pressure on traditional agricultural models. These conditions inspired Infarm to develop the InStore SVE IFA, a sophisticated, vending-style hydroponic growing system to cultivate herbs and salad greens within grocery stores.

This high-traffic, consumer-facing setting demands the highest focus on safety, demonstrated by the recent UL certification of Infarm’s vertical farming units to UL 8800, the Standard for Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems. This first-ever certification of a horticultural system helps Infarm gain credibility in an emerging marketplace and UL further their mission of working for a safer world.

Developing rigorous standards for a flourishing hydroponics market 

In 2020, the hydroponics market was valued at $2.1 billion (USD) and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.7% by 2028. Manufacturers that take the time and resources to demonstrate the safety of their hydroponic products through certification to Underwriters Laboratories standards can help advance this industry and foster smoother market access. 

Underwriters Laboratories published UL 8800, the Standard for Horticultural Lighting Equipment and Systems, in 2018 to guide the evaluation of horticultural lighting equipment and systems across critical factors, such as photobiological impacts on human health, wiring and connection methods, performance in growing environments and more.

“Horticultural lighting is one of the fastest growing segments for the lighting industry worldwide,” noted Dr. Hans Laschefski, UL’s business development manager for the lighting industry in Europe. He identified factors such as climate change and a rapidly growing population as crucial drivers of the need for standards in this area of the lighting market. “We are proud to support Infarm with the required Safety Certificate for this new horticultural lighting system … and look forward to continuing our work to find new solutions for new horticultural technology.”

Horticultural lighting manufacturers recognize the importance of certification

Guy Galonska, Infarm’s co-founder and chief technology officer, reflected on the novel Certification, highlighting the synergy between the two companies’ philosophies. 

“Having our own high standards for quality assurance in hardware and software in place, the UL Certification proves our commitment to food and operational safety and quality, and we are proud to be the first hydroponic system worldwide certified by UL.”

Consumers, brands and retailers recognize the UL Mark and understand that certification demonstrates a commitment to safety and helps build both trust. Infarm currently has long-term agreements with major North American retailers. Soon, consumers can expect an expanded range of produce options beyond leafy greens, such as mushrooms, peppers, strawberries and tomatoes.

Learn more about horticultural lighting certification services: https://www.ul.com/services/horticultural-lighting

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    Human centric lighting (HCL) is a kind of illuminated way based on human physical and psychological needs. Its core goal is to imitate the changes in natural light to support the body’s circadian rhythm, improve visual comfort, and enhance mood. The key element of human centric lighting contains dynamic ​color temperature adjustment, adjustable brightness, spectrum… Read More…

  • Mac’s II Agencies: Case Study – Tesoro, Vancouver, BC

    Mac’s II Agencies: Case Study – Tesoro, Vancouver, BC

    At the crest of False Creek, Tesoro stands as a contemporary interpretation of classic luxury, offering 92 exclusive waterfront homes in the heart of Vancouver. Developed by Concert Properties, this 17-story residential tower embraces a distinctly modern character, harmonizing sleek design with timeless sophistication. The vision for Tesoro extended beyond its architectural presence—it was about… Read More…


New Products

  • GVA Lighting: PIXEL GEN2 COLOR CHANGING

    GVA Lighting: PIXEL GEN2 COLOR CHANGING

    PIXEL GEN2 is the second generation of the direct-view PIXEL series, designed for dynamic color effects, low-resolution image displays, and media façades. Built on the award-winning COLOR-STREAM platform, it delivers 16X faster communication than DMX, ensuring ultra-smooth dimming and real-time responsiveness. With INFINITY technology, PIXEL GEN2 supports lighting circuits of up to 1,565 PIXELs, providing… Read More…

  • Cyclone Lighting Introduces New Taji Luminaire

    Cyclone Lighting Introduces New Taji Luminaire

    Cyclone Lighting is excited to announce the release of its new Taji luminaire. Taji’s captivating design features high-performance optics and enhances a variety of aesthetics. Taji’s distinctive, stylish silhouette and slender lines are a refreshing departure from the ubiquitous dome luminaire. The unique flared form maintains a slender, minimalist feel yet provides high-performance optics. The… Read More…