Microplastic-free seed coatings

With the use of microplastics in seed treatment expected to be banned soon in Europe, and other regions of the world likely to follow, the need for microplastic-free seed treatments has never been greater. Helping customers get ahead of a major regulatory impact, we are expanding our line of microplastic-free seed coatings. Our new-generation seed solutions include products for both vegetables and field crops.

Agricultural activity accounts for about 10% of the total microplastic release. Although seed treatment accounts for only a small part of that, our industry can play an active part in reducing the environmental impact of microplastics.

Microplastics and seed coating products

A crucial component of many seed coating products is the binder. This is usually a polymer.and most polymers are considered to be microplastic containing. The binder is responsible for the safe and effective adherence of components of the coating. A quality binder keeps dust-off to a minimum and improves the coating’s abrasion resistance. It keeps all the ingredients where they should be – on the seed.
Most of Incotec’s products for vegetable seeds are microplastic free. In addition to this, we are working on the next generation microplastic-free product range which includes products for both vegetables and field crops. The first of these are already available.

Are microplastic-free seed coatings effective?

Yes. Formulating an effective microplastic-free seed coating with all the high-quality properties our customers are used to can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. We apply the same high standards to our microplastic-free solutions as we do to all our products. Our microplastic-free products meet or exceed the industry standards and are safe for seed, safe for the environment and safe for those who handle them.

Sunflower seed with microplastic-free film coat

Microplastics ban: in Europe and elsewhere

There is growing concern all over the world on the topic of microplastics accumulating in the environment. Legislation banning intentionally added microplastics in seed coatings is expected to become effective around 2027 in Europe. So customers in Europe will be affected first, but it is highly likely that similar restrictions will be adopted elsewhere. Our microplastic-free products are being introduced first in Europe but these will become available in other regions, with the US and Latin America being the first of these. After this, they will gradually be rolled out around the globe.

Contributing to sustainability

Recently we embarked on Mission Zero, Incotec’s sustainability strategy, committing us to minimize the environmental impact of our products and to always look for the most sustainable solutions to help customers achieve their goals. Further developing our microplastic-free range of products is part of that mission. More about Mission Zero.

More information on the first new-generation microplastic-free products in the product finder.

Are microplastic-free solutions here to stay? Read more in an article published recently in Agropages