Sunnik Introduces Fiberglass Vertical Farming Trays to the European Market

Updated on July 16, 2026 • 4 min read

Malaysian composites manufacturer Sunnik has entered the European controlled-environment agriculture sector by introducing its fiberglass vertical farming trays at GreenTech Amsterdam 2026.

The company, a brand of Steelworks Engineering, developed the trays by adapting decades of experience in fiberglass water tank manufacturing after customers sought a more durable alternative to conventional plastic growing trays.

According to the company, the move represents an expansion from water infrastructure into agricultural applications, where material durability, water quality and food safety are becoming increasingly important.

Composite Expertise Moves Beyond Water Storage

Sunnik has manufactured fiberglass water tanks for approximately four decades, supplying infrastructure projects in markets around the world.

The company’s experience in producing water storage systems formed the basis for developing growing trays intended for hydroponic and vertical farming operations.

According to Executive Director Aiwee Chong, customers using conventional plastic trays reported breakage rates exceeding 10% during transportation, prompting the company to investigate fiberglass as an alternative structural material.

Unlike many conventional plastic trays, fiberglass composite structures offer high stiffness, corrosion resistance and dimensional stability while maintaining relatively low weight.

The company also stated that the material is designed to avoid releasing unwanted substances into irrigation water used for crop production.

Certifications Support Food Contact Applications

Sunnik says its trays have obtained NSF and WRAS certifications, together with approvals from organizations including UL, TÜV Süd and Intertek.

These certifications are intended to demonstrate suitability for applications involving water and food production while supporting customer confidence in material safety.

The company notes that the same certification framework has previously supported its fiberglass water tank products, which have been supplied for infrastructure projects including the Burj Khalifa, Hudson Yards, Doha International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport.

Indoor Agriculture Drives New Composite Applications

The development of the trays coincides with growing investment in indoor farming across Southeast Asia following increased attention to food security after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governments in markets including Singapore have encouraged controlled-environment agriculture to strengthen domestic food production and reduce dependence on imported produce.

For manufacturers of growing equipment, this trend has increased demand for materials capable of long-term operation under continuous exposure to water, nutrients and humid environments.

Rather than supplying complete farming systems, Sunnik positions itself as an OEM component manufacturer, providing trays to vertical farming system builders and growers.

Composite Materials Continue Expanding Into Agriculture

Professor’s Analysis

Although composite materials are commonly associated with aerospace, automotive and marine industries, agriculture is becoming an increasingly important application area.

Growing systems operate under conditions that continuously expose materials to moisture, fertilizers, cleaning chemicals and repeated handling. Material durability therefore influences not only equipment lifespan but also maintenance requirements and operating costs.

Fiberglass composites offer several characteristics that make them suitable for these environments, including corrosion resistance, dimensional stability and the ability to manufacture large components with relatively low maintenance requirements.

At the same time, certification is becoming increasingly important for composite products used in food production. Beyond structural performance, manufacturers must demonstrate that materials remain stable during long-term contact with water and do not introduce contaminants into growing systems.

Europe Represents the Next Growth Market

GreenTech Amsterdam marked Sunnik’s first effort to introduce the product to European customers.

According to the company, the Netherlands was selected because of its established position in greenhouse technology and vertical farming, providing an opportunity to engage with equipment manufacturers and commercial growers already investing in advanced cultivation systems.

For the composites industry, the launch illustrates how fiberglass materials are continuing to diversify beyond traditional industrial applications, supporting new opportunities in sustainable agriculture and controlled-environment food production.

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