New generation microplastic free seed solutions for sunflower
Croda International Plc, which uses smart science to create, make and sell speciality chemicals that improve lives is proud to announce that its Seed Enhancement business, Incotec, yesterday (23 June 2020) launched microplastic-free seed coatings for sunflower.
The two new film coats are the first of a new range of microplastic-free products being developed in anticipation of regulations that will prohibit the use of microplastics in seed treatment.
Incotec’s new microplastic-free film coats for sunflower, Disco Blue L-1501 and Disco Purple L-1601, are developed to comply with the current proposal by the ECHA (European Chemical Agency) to restrict the use of microplastics in seed treatment. The new film coats meet all quality requirements and perform at least as effectively as conventional products. These new products will be followed by an expanding number of microplastic-free alternatives starting with products and regions that are the first to be affected by changing legislation.
Erik Jan Bartels, Incotec’s Managing Director, said: “Although the use of microplastics in seed treatment is not yet prohibited by law, legislation is expected in a few years. In anticipation of this, we think it is important that our new microplastic-free products comply with the European Chemical Agency’s current requirement proposal. Although the total contribution from the seed industry to the global microplastics problem is limited, we still find it important to be part of the solution and to be as sustainable as possible, as soon as possible. Developing microplastic-free products to the same quality standards our customers are used to is a real breakthrough. We are very happy to be able to help our customers stay ahead of upcoming changes without having to compromise on quality”.
The development of an alternative range of microplastic-free products is part of the Croda Group’s commitment to be the most sustainable supplier of innovative ingredients, helping provide solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges in the coming decades.