Pelleting is one of the oldest technologies, which were commercialized by INCOTEC, whereas encrusting seeds is one of the newest technologies. By binding the appropriate mix of inert filler materials to the seeds a nice round pellet or a small-encrusted seed can be constructed. A smooth round shape of the pellets is required to make mechanical planting possible. The pellets are made with a traditional rotating pan system or by means of rotostat technology. The suitable coating layer does not influence the germination capacity of the seeds. The Split Pill for lettuce seeds is the best example of this product form.

INCOTEC has developed more then 40 different coating formulation for specific seed types and product forms and we are continuously improving our formulations. These adaptations are not only required to maintain our high quality in combination with changing genetics, but also because mechanical sowing equipment is more and more replaced by pneumatic seeders. Therefore, pellets or encrusted seeds need to fulfill other characteristics like smaller size, smooth surface, decreased weight and dust free. Local market requirements as well determine product forms and as an example Incotec developed recently a special lettuce pellet for the Japanese market which is pellet light weight pellet with excellent splitting capabilities.

Moreover INCOTEC is working continuously on the innovation of coating technologies. The latest development is the rotary coater. With this technology encrusting of bulk seeds like grasses can be fully automated and becomes economically feasible. Incotec can help you to implement such bulk coating processes by means of licensing and technical support.