Eclo

Eclo, formerly known as "Le Champignon de Bruxelles," is an urban farming enterprise based in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in the production of exotic mushrooms, microgreens, and aromatic baby herbs. Founded in 2014, Eclo operates approximately 3,000 square meters of the Cureghem Cellars in the heart of Brussels, making it the largest underground farm in Belgium. (eclo.farm ) Eclo's innovative approach involves recycling organic waste materials to cultivate exotic mushrooms. The company partners with local businesses such as Cantillon Brewery, utilizing spent beer grain, and the Colruyt Group and Bon Pain for organic bread waste. This circular economy model not only reduces waste but also produces high-quality, organic-certified substrates for mushroom cultivation. (eclo.farm ) In 2021, Eclo expanded its operations by inaugurating a new vertical farm on the Abattoirs of Anderlecht site. Developed in collaboration with the startup Urban Harvest, this facility features three 4-meter-high shelves, effectively doubling the production capacity of microgreens and young herbs to 50,000 units per month. The microgreens are cultivated on cellulose fiber, a fully compostable substrate derived from renewable sources, and are irrigated with nutrient-enriched water, which is filtered and reused to minimize water consumption. (eclo.farm ) To further its mission, Eclo raised €4.7 million in July 2022 to establish a high-tech, 4,200-square-meter factory in Villers-le-Bouillet, Liège province. This facility aims to position Eclo as a key player in the European exotic mushroom industry, with an annual production target of 7,000 tons of mushroom substrate from recycled organic waste by 2026. The factory will be equipped with advanced automated production lines to ensure biosecurity and consistent quality, and it will be powered by 1,500 square meters of photovoltaic panels. (eclo.farm ) Eclo's commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in its operations. The company employs precise climate control and high-level hygiene protocols to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality substrates. A robust traceability system allows for meticulous monitoring of production and prompt responses to customer inquiries. All substrates are organic certified, with inspections conducted by the Belgian organic inspection body CERTISYS. By integrating circular economy principles and advanced agricultural techniques, Eclo continues to contribute to sustainable urban farming and the production of high-quality exotic mushrooms and microgreens for the European market.