Agropages May 2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology

Technology and Product
2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology 1

Technology and Product Technology and Product
2 2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology 2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology 1
2 2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology

CONTENTS
Sponsor Index Cover Story
• Ad Terram Runhe: Committed to Developing Novel Organosilicon Synergist 06
• Azelis
• AGROTEZ
• BASF's Care Chemicals division - Industrial
Formulators Interview
• Best Agrolife
• Croda Crop Care Azelis: Develop Tailor-made Formulations for Customers, Drive Growth Through 12
• Dhanuka Agritech Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalization
• Dogal Kimyevi Maddeler ve Zira
• Drexel Chemical Company SINVOCHEM: Dedicated to Eco-Friendly Adjuvants and Customer Oriented 14
• Evonik Industries AG Service, Seeking Broader International Cooperation
• Exwold Technology
• Fortune Group - Hebei Bestar Industry Fyteko: Committed to Producing Advanced Plant Biosolutions Based on 18
• Fyteko Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivative Oligomers at Large Scale
• Guangzhou Pleased Grinding Media (GPGM)
• IMCD Polska SP. Z.o.o. Rotam CropSciences: Insight Into Innovations, Challenges and Solutions in 22
• Ingevity Formulation Development
• Innospec
• Interagro (UK)
• LEVACO Chemicals
• Meghmani Organics
• Nouryon Technology and Product
• Oxiteno
Stepan Company: Innovative and Sustainable New Products for Crop Protection 24
• Solvay
• SST Australia
EVONIK OPERATIONS: Multifunctional Additives for Performance Enhancement 28
• Stepan Company
of Oil-based Formulations
• SINVOCHEM
• Sichuan Leshan Fuhua Tongda
• TENSIOFIX Solvay: New Dispersant Polymers for the Design of Complex Suspension and 34
• WuXi JingFung technology Flowable Concentrate Formulations
• Zhejiang Runhe Chemical New Material
Nouryon: Adjuvant for Fungicides Showing a Dual Action Mechanism 37
Oxiteno: SURFOM®8963 — An Innovative Solution for High Load Glufosinate 40

Top Sponsor Formulation
Ingevity: Bio-based Oil for Biological and Conventional Pesticide Formulations 43
Croda: Spray Quality Control – A Sustainability Case Study 46
BASF: Next Generation Polar Solvent for Agrochemical Formulations 48

Water-soluble lactamide Agnique® AMD 3 L as powerful, label-free solvent
NextGen Seed Treatments Microplastic Free and Energy Saving by AD Terram 50
iFormulate: Formulation Challenges in a Global Environment 52

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AGROPAGES
Company Directory
TEL：+86-571-87240039
EMAIL：agropages@vip.163.com A – Z Index (By company name) 56
Disclaimer: If some advertisements and product profiles in this issue contain references to active ingredients still under patent protection in certain countries, such content are
deemed inapplicable to those countries.
Cover Story Cover Story
began production in the same year. Runhe Materials has made steady progress along the
way, achieving remarkable successes. Its novel materials business division in Deqing, just
Committed to Developing Novel

one of its individual business units, recorded organosilicon material sales of ￥300 million
in 2020.
Runhe is one of the earliest Chinese enterprises committed to the organosilicon
Organosilicon Synergist industry. In early 2007, during the founding of its new materials division in Deqing, the
company recruited qualified staff members and gained the confidence of the organosilicon
industry. Starting from scratch, the company gradually expanded its production
capacity, built up its market influence and created star products, such as its agricultural
organosilicon synergist, highlighting the progress made within the industry and the
success of Runhe’s strategic conception.
In an interview with AgroPages, Xuyingen (General Manager of Zhejiang Runhe Materials Co., Ltd.) said,
Can you comment on the competitive advantage of Runhe in the
“Runhe’s objective is to become a leading international fine chemical supplier, through organosilicon processing
agricultural organosilicon industry?
in the midstream of the organosilicon industry chain. Our strength is based on our customer-centric business
model, our consistent product quality, and our differentiated and individualized business development. Runhe is Runhe’s objective is to become a leading international fine chemical supplier, Before and after rice crop treated by RH-208
effective in business implementation, rapidly responding to the market while being innovative and adaptable.” through organosilicon processing in the midstream of the organosilicon industry chain.
He also shared Runhe’s development history, competitive edge and product advantage. Our strength is based on our customer-centric business model, our consistent product
quality, and our differentiated and individualized business development. Runhe is
Xuyingen, General Manager of Zhejiang Runhe Materials
effective in business implementation, rapidly responding to the market while being
innovative and adaptable. We continually invest in R&D, having developed a series of
organosilicon synergists, metal die casting release agents, high conductive thermal gels,
thermal conductive phase change materials, organosilicon elastomers, and optical resin
and addition type liquid silicone rubber products, through our independent research and
development. Our products can fulfill the needs of various industry sectors, such as for
Please brief us about the development history of Runhe organosilicon materials. The company, which went public on GEM
high-end crop plant protection, and new energy, electronic and electrical appliances,
of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on November 27, 2017, was
as well as rail transit, electricity industry anticorrosion and 5G mobile communication Before and after cucumber crop treated by RH-208
Based in Ninghai, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Runhe Materials founded as a company specializing in textile chemicals, including
system development, therefore, reducing the level of dependence of domestic high-end
Co., Ltd. was founded in 2000 and has currently three production bases in softener agents, mostly organosilicon products. In 2007, the
production on imports. This will encourage the restructuring of the domestic industry
Ningbo Runhe, Zhejiang Runhe Organosilicon and Jiujiang Runhe, as well company established its organosilicon product business department
structure and meet the needs of more high-end customers. Today, more and more major
as an import/export company and the Runhe Material Research Institute. to expand its business scale and operations. In 2010, a factory was
customers are cooperating with our company, and the proportion of our large-scale
Runhe is a listed public high-tech enterprise committed to the research and established in the Deqing Economic Development Zone, where
customers is growing rapidly.
development, production, sale and application of textile chemicals and novel Zhejiang Runhe Organosilicon Materials Co., Ltd. was founded and
Before and after tomato crop treated by RH-208
Before and after brassica chinensis treated by RH-208
Cover Story Interview
Please explain the agricultural applications and fruits, which could seriously affect the yield and quality of crops. The
future prospects of Runhe’s organosilicon products occurrence of organosilicon adjuvant damage is closely related to crop
variety, pesticide variety, and adjuvant concentration and dose on plant
Runhe’s main product is our self-developed RH-208, which has leaves, as well as temperature conditions at the time of spraying. Crops
super wettability and excellent permeability and rain fastness. It with a thinner wax coating or that are wetted easily, such as cucumber
effectively promotes pesticide absorption, reducing pesticide use by and green beans, are more prone to adjuvant damage over rice, ginger
over 30% and water use by 50%, an excellent agricultural organosilicon and garlic, which have a thicker wax coat. Pesticide damage may occur
synergist. It is mostly utilized as a tank-mix adjuvant with wide coverage to various extents, dependent on the difference of fruit trees. The addition
and can be used with insecticides, herbicides and plant growth regulators. of an organosilicon adjuvant to herbicides, such as carfentrazone-ethyl,
Sometimes it is used in non-water-based formulations, but this is limited, nicosulfuron and fomesafen, may incur a higher risk of crop damage
due to its hydrolysis-intolerant property. Over the last two years, with compared to being added to insecticides and fungicides. Nevertheless,
the popularity of UAV spraying, the use of aerial application adjuvants adding an organosilicon adjuvant to insecticides and fungicides during
has increased annually. Therefore, our company has developed aerial spraying may also lead to crop damage. When spraying a pesticide that
application-oriented adjuvants that have the features of anti-evaporation, prone to cause crop damage or on crops vulnerable to phytotoxicity, the
anti-drifting, and good adhesion, wetting and permeability. higher the concentration of organosilicon adjuvant the higher the risk
With a focus on the domestic formulation market, due to the of crop damage, while the bigger the dose on leaves and the higher the
hydrolysis intolerance of the traditional RH-208 product, we have temperature at the time of spraying, the higher the risk of crop damage.
developed acid and alkali resistant organosilicon synergists that are Attention should be paid to the following four factors when using an
hydrolysis resistant, fully opening up the application of organosilicon organosilicon adjuvant with pesticides:
within the pesticide industry. This will help achieve China’s goal of • When there is no application experience, trials must be conducted
reducing the use of pesticides with increased efficiency, as well as for certain crops and certain chemicals before pesticides are promoted
reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and achieving pesticide for use, to avoid irreparable crop pesticide damage.
zero growth. • Attention needs to be paid to the concentration of an organosilicon
Today, both the upstream and downstream of the industry have adjuvant. Do not increase the dose at will. Generally, the concentration
turned to innovation, differentiation and diversification, which is an of organosilicon adjuvant should be lower than the concentration of
overall trend. Runhe is capable of supplying differentiated and diversified conventional spraying adjuvant. Therefore, the amount of organosilicon
pesticide synergistic solutions. adjuvant to be added should be lower than that of the conventional
spraying adjuvant. Spray concentration should be controlled below 0.1%.
How is the product performance of Runhe’s • When spraying on fruit trees, do not spray directly on fruits. Or
organosilicon adjuvants? done with cover bags on fruits.
• Do not spray pesticides with organosilicon adjuvant at temperatures
Obviously, RH-208 enhances the efficacy of the acaricide exceeding 300C. Spraying in the morning or evening to avoid the hot sun
(insecticide) in controlling citrus spider (aphid and whitefly), being is recommended.
fast acting and long lasting. Its control effect is 95% or above. For The Chinese market for tank-mix organosilicon synergists is not yet
controlling insects such as red spider, aphid, whitefly, thrips, tea lesser a well-established one, and the available application technology is not
leafhopper, which are small in size, propagate rapidly and move slowly, yet mature. Therefore, promotions at this stage will lead to improper
20% of conventional water consumption with adjuvant can be effective application, which may result in occasional crop damage, like in the case
while being water and labor efficient, which is worth promoting and of mineral oil. Promotions need to be prudent, especially when being
popularizing. used with sensitive pesticides and risky chemicals, such as plant growth
For weeds with high resistance, RH-208 can significantly improve regulators, foliar fertilizers and pesticides indicating “no mixed use with
the weed control effect of diclofenac and Cyhalofop on Echinochloa surfactants.” On these occasions, trials are required and applications
crusgalli. The higher the concentration of RH-208 is, the more significant should only be done after safety is confirmed.
the control effect is, and the water consumption can be reduced. RH-
208 is very useful for pesticide-resistant crops with thicker wax coatings,
such as lotus seed and taro, being effective in controlling soil insects like Silicone new materials business International market
chive maggot and garlic maggot. Contact: Ms. Anais Cao
Mobile: 0086 136 5666 6849
What precautions should be taken when using an Email: Anais@chinarunhe.com
organosilicon adjuvant?
China domestic market
Organosilicon adjuvants can cause the “exfoliation” of leaf epidermis Contact: Mr. Huang Liwei
cells, which reduces water retention capacity and damages cells, Mobile: 0086 180 5728 0880
resulting in crop damage. The main pesticide damage symptoms include Contact: Ms.Wang Shiwei
chlorosis of plant leaves, and abnormal brown deposits or halo rings on Mobile: 0086 180 5728 0868
Proud to be a leading
innovation service provider
of specialty chemicals and food
ingredients in Asia Pacific.
At Azelis, we’re changing the role of a traditional distributor in Asia Pacific and around the world.
We’re fueled by our purpose to make the world a better place, whilst empowering the growth
ambitions of our partners through a range of sustainable formulations, innovative solutions,
and pioneering digital platforms.
Discover the exciting opportunities of a partnership built on innovation through formulation,
we’d love to talk.
Azelis in Asia Pacific:
12 countries 20+ laboratories 20 offices 425+ employees 4,800+ customers
visit azelis.com
Interview Interview
Azelis: Develop Tailor-made Formulations for innovative sustainable solutions. Our digitalization initiatives include What’s the Azelis business model in Asia Pacific?
digital platforms such as our customer portal that has both eCommerce What challenges did your company encounter during the
Customers, Drive Growth Through Innovation, capabilities and the ability to deliver technical and marketing insights,
as well as our e-Lab for virtual collaboration to develop inspiring
COVID-19 pandemic?
formulations. Our regional and local teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure
Sustainability and Digitalization Please introduce the product lines/portfolio of Azelis

supplier satisfaction, assist with supply chain management and logistics,
and ensure that local teams have dedicated sales representatives with
Specialty Agri/Horti. How does Azelis combine products regulatory expertise. At Azelis, we consider having a local footprint as
with services? key for our strategy, as every market is unique, agricultural environments
vary, and regulations differ from region to region.
Azelis Specialty Agri/Horti offers a comprehensive range of products As a distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients,
from renowned worldwide principals for the agriculture, horticulture, COVID-19 has shown us supply chain challenges that impact the region,
amenity and farm care markets. Our portfolio includes seed treatment, with borders closing and shipments being stuck in ports. Thanks to our
“Azelis is a global company that supports its partners by building cross-country coverage,
fertilizers, pesticide, adjuvant, eco-friendly solutions, and more! team, we have been able to emerge stronger from this experience! We did
while also maintaining local footprints in strategic locations. We have dedicated local sales
Azelis’ three technical laboratories, located across the region, assist our utmost to deliver orders on time to our customers to ensure minimum
teams in each country focused on specific market segments. What unites us are our three growth
our customers in developing tailor-made formulations, troubleshooting, impact to their manufacturing chain. We realized during COVID-19 how
drivers: innovation, sustainability and digitalization. Our dedicated application laboratories are
and testing of their products. We also help them choose the right critical supply chain is to business survival. We were able to provide
where we develop tailor-made formulations for our customers and create opportunities through
ingredient combination for their formulations to achieve superior results, safety stock for different ingredients and demonstrate how integral we
innovation. We have recently announced our Action 2025 sustainability strategy, where we focus
allowing them to reach their targets in terms of performance, cost- are in helping our partners secure their production lines.
on the key pillars of people, products and innovation, governance and environment as we work
effectiveness, and environmental protection for PPPs (Plant Protection
to provide innovative sustainable solutions,” said Kimberly Chung, Azelis’ Asia Pacific Business
Products), crop nutrition, and seed coatings applications. As PPP’s Azelis continuously improves its lateral value
Development Director in a recent interview with AgroPages.
dedicated ingredients, for both crop and non-crop (turf, ornamentals, chain by integrating related products and aims to be the
She also shared her views on Azelis’ core competitiveness, product lines of Azelis Specialty
IVM, forestry) applications, we offer all types of co-formulants and partner in innovation for customers, from formulation to
Agri/Horti, development strategy in the Asia Pacific region, service initiatives, growth drivers and
solvents. For crop nutrition markets, we offer a wide range of macro production. Could you share some successful cases of how
sustainability strategy etc.
and micro nutrition, fertilizers, and dedicated additives to optimize their Azelis helps clients develop innovation formulations suited
release processes, which results in both better crop yield and quality to different market needs and application scenarios?
Kimberly Chung optimization.
Asia Pacific Business Development Director at Azelis. Azelis is continuously looking into eco-friendly alternatives due to Azelis works together with our partners on regional or more locally-
the increase in warnings regarding the effects of pesticides on general targeted opportunities. With one of our strategic partners, we have
health. Together with our partners, we are continually reviewing collaborated on joint innovation and application developments, sharing
the requirements of our customers, and how we can integrate those resources and laboratories when needed. Our partnership started in
requirements into a more sustainable product, for the benefit of our EMEA, and expanded to Asia Pacific, thanks to the strength of our lateral
environment, our health, and in line with our sustainability strategy. value chain and technical laboratories.
For instance, as China and Southeast Asian countries are
Could you talk about Azelis’ strategic suppliers? concentrating on efficacy improvements via in-can or tank mix adjuvant
Please briefly introduce Azelis’ global presence and and now have over 20 offices in the region. What are the strategic considerations behind these solutions, together we have access to a broad portfolio and can work
core competitiveness. What strategic initiatives have been Our growth within Asia Pacific has been driven by both organic partnerships? What are Azelis’ criteria and elements in to define the best solution to screen effective chemicals specifically for
taken to accelerate expansion in the Asia Pacific region growth – through strong sales performance and growing with our choosing partners? fungicides and insecticides to improve their functionalities.
and what significant performance has been achieved? key principals throughout the region – and complementary strategic Additionally, for agrochemicals, in Malaysia we are initiating a field
What’s the overall development plan for the future in this acquisitions in crucial countries and market segments. Here at Azelis, we analyze our customers’ demands, market trends trial plan to execute tank mix adjuvant/fruit shading agent tests, while
region? What sets us apart is the dedication and passion of our people, our and regulatory requirements to evaluate how to improve our product in China we are piloting a trial local technical team that provides on-site
greatest asset. Azelis is a global company that supports its partners offerings. We strategically select partners that offer an attractive support. We embarked on these initiatives to ensure customers receive
Azelis is a leading global innovative solutions provider and by building cross-country coverage, while also maintaining local product range that will complement our current portfolio, also focus on the best of what our combined partnership can bring to the table.
distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients. Azelis provides a footprints in strategic locations. We have dedicated local sales teams in innovation, and respectfully follow sustainable and ethical practices. We
comprehensive range of products and innovative services, and is present each country focused on specific market segments. What unites us are believe that a successful partnership is based on efficiency and trust.
in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Americas and Asia Pacific. our three growth drivers: innovation, sustainability and digitalization. With our partners, we aim to reduce business complexity, across
Azelis has been present in Asia Pacific since 2005, and as part of our Our dedicated application laboratories are where we develop tailor- various areas such as sales, supply chain and logistics and technical and
strategic group decision to accelerate growth in the region, we opened made formulations for our customers and create opportunities through marketing. In essence, we are an extension of our partners’ organization,
our Singapore headquarters in 2016, which was the beginning of a period innovation. We have recently announced our Action 2025 sustainability where we can demonstrate our sales excellence, technical product
of exponential growth for us! We are now present in 12 countries across strategy, where we focus on the key pillars of people, products and expertise and formulation know-how. This is how we have been able to
Asia Pacific, have established more than 20 application laboratories, innovation, governance and environment as we work to provide grow with our principals across countries, and even across regions. (By Grace Yuan, editor of AgroPages, grace@agropages.com)
Interview Interview
Dedicated to agrochemical adjuvants for 13 years, Committed to differentiated innovative solutions, fulfilling
facilitating better delivery of pesticide efficacy customer’s multi-scenario requirement
SINVOCHEM: Dedicated to Eco-Friendly

“To provide customers with green adjuvants and precision services for SINVOCHEM has set up a platform for formulation processing and
better delivery of pesticide efficacy; to become a respectable agricultural field tests. This enables miniaturization of customer application scenarios
adjuvant manufacturer” is the mission and vision of SINVOCHEM. in R&D labs. Meanwhile, SINVOCHEM also strengthens its interaction
Adjuvants and Customer Oriented Service, Having a focused value proposition is a common ground for most
successful enterprises. Since its inception in 2008, SINVOCHEM
with customers in order to comprehensively improve its capability to
process formulations, reduce use of pesticides and enhance efficacy.
has focused itself on agricultural adjuvant development. Sticking to Dr. Qin holds the view that a product is deemed a quality one only
Seeking Broader International Cooperation its original vision for 13 years, SINVOCHEM has now grown into a
national high-tech enterprise specialized in the development, production
when it meets application scenario requirement, he also believes that
digitalization of droplet delivery process would increase the accuracy
and sales of built-in and tank-mix adjuvants. SINVOCHEM has been of pesticide efficacy study. On this basis, SINVOCHEM sets up an
extending its oversea business step by step to Southeast Asia, South Asia, application scenario-based platform for data collection, data analysis
the Middle East, Australia, Eastern Europe and South America, providing and data application of droplet interfacical delivery behaviors, facilitates
more than 600 customers worldwide with green adjuvants accompanied study of relation between adjuvant structure and delivery behavior.
by precision services. This will effectively enhance the controllability of droplet delivery and
Currently, SINVOCHEM’s products consist of dispersant, wetting increase the pesticide efficacy.
agent, emulsifier, defoamer, thickener and tank-mix compatibilizer. Guided by the above perception, SINVOCHEM has engineered a
It has been a major concern in the agrochemical industry that
However, the gradually enriched products, increased customer series of pesticide adjuvants covering built-in and tank-mix adjuvants,
how to reduce the use of pesticide and fertilizer while enhancing their
base and expanding oversea market require SINVOCHEM to which include polycarboxylates, block polyethers, naphthalene sulfonate
efficacy. Moreover, driven by China’s plan to achieve negative growth
elevate its production capacity. 2022 will witness a great increase in formaldehyde condensates and wetting agents such as non-ionic
of chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, the change in planting patterns
SINVOCHEM’s procution capacity, which is expected to exceed 100,000 polyether, sulfonate and phosphate as well as modified organosilicon and
pesticide spraying technology, agricultural adjuvant is embracing new
tons. Its market share of adjuvants for mainstream pesticide formulations modified vegetable oil-based tank-mix synergist.
opportunities of development, putting adjuvants into a period of rapid
in China will be fundamentally elevated. Market share of dry flowable SINVOCHEM's advanced controllable polymerization technology
growth. This is very appealing to adjuvant players in China and overseas.
(DF) and suspension concentrate (SC), for example, is estimated to reach can precisely control product molecular structure. SP-27001 from
As a leading technology-driven enterprise with innovation gene,
60-70% and 30% respectively. polycarboxylate dispersant series improves the processing efficiency
SINVOCHEM stands out from the competition, referred to as a “dark
Dr. Qin stresses that, in addition to agricultural solutions, of SC formulations; SP-OD3498D improves storage stability of OD
horse”. We expect SINVOCHEM to constantly breakthrough technical
SINVOCHEM has extended its products and service to more challenging formulations by inhibiting crystal growth; cationic dispersant SP-
barriers and the limit of innovation, making its contributions to the
realm of biological pesticides and pesticide-fertilizer mixtures with 3275 assists SC formulations with high electrolyte tolerance and low
sustainable development of global agriculture.
positive results achieved. temperature tolerance to ensure compatibility with different tank-mix
A few days ago, a journalist of AgroPages visited SINVOCHEM
and conducted an interview with Dr. James Qin, CTO of SINVOCHEM,
who accompanied a workshop tour in its internationally advanced
agrochemical lab and production base, where a closer look was taken at
SINVOCHEM’s customer service philosophy and strong technical force
as well as its low-profile, practical and innovative spirit behind the fast
growth of the company.
Dr. Qin says that SINVOCHEM is committed to the sustainable
development concept, using recyclable green materials for synthesis of
biodegradable pesticide adjuvants; Operated under “application scenario-
oriented” service philosophy, its R & D center has realized simulation of
mass production of formulations and bioassay indoor, which enables the
company to provide precision service to its customers. Based on RAFT
(Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization)
technology, SINVOCHEM has successfully commercialized a series of
products leading the agrochemical industry, known as polycarboxylate
dispersants, vegetable oil-based polyether polyol and translocation
enhancing tank mix adjuvants. SINVOCHEM will be continuously
Dr. James Qin
dedicated to development of green adjuvants and precision service for
CTO and Founder of SINVOCHEM
better pesticide efficacy.
Figure 1. SC formulation salon for overseas customers
Interview Interview
formulations; SP-DF2222 increases the high temperature tolerance in customers' application scenarios. SINVOCHEM’s application scenario melting of AIs during drying, undispersible granules, poor storage manner to meet the needs of customers. For this reason, SINVOCHEM
the processing of DF formulations; SP-DF2238 eases processing for DF simulation system enables quick simulation of real formulation and stability and difficulty to process high loading preparations. In response expects continuing expansion of businesses globally, looking for agents
formulations using low-melting-point of AIs. So far, the polycarboxylate application scenarios. In combination with adjuvant structure design to these issues, SINVOCHEM developed a special polycarboxylate or end customers that are competent in promotion of the products of the
series have been successfully applied to pesticide formulations SC, FS, and synthesis, this system can provide better solutions for pesticide dispersant SP-DF2238, whose structure is designed taking full company, or partners with strong market position in certain countries or
OD, SE, CS, EW, WG, WP, DF, etc.. formulation with higher efficacy. It is foreseeable that SINVOCHEM consideration of processing flows of DF formulations. Supported by regions.
The delivery of pesticide molecules starts from dispersion or will launch highly designable and versatile polycarboxylate built-in fluidized bed granulation process, SP-DF2238 thoroughly overcomes
emulsification, spatial delivery of droplet from nozzle to the target, adjuvants as well as tank-mix adjuvants with improved delivery while these difficulties when processing low-melting-point AIs into DF
interfacial delivery on the target and in vivo delivery of pesticide optimizing its existing products. formulations.
molecules when necessary. It is admirable that SINVOCHEM’s customer
application scenario-based application and innovation tactics can mimic
application scenarios of customers. For example, DF formulation
piloting system accurately simulates industrial processing scenario;
low-speed wind tunnel simulates outdoor spraying scenario to identify
environmental impact on deposition on the target site.
SINVOCHEM is a chemical company specializing in

agrochemical adjuvants.
With sustainable application scenario-oriented
Figure 4. Disintegration of DF formulation dropping into water added
technical innovation strategy, SINVOCHEM has gained
with SP-DF2238
good reputation as main supplier for formulators in China.
Backed by a group of passionate scientists and well-
By virtue of good mass transfer and heat transfer efficiency, constructed formulation or spraying mimicking systems,
microfluidic continuous technology can realize precise control on process SINVOCHEM succeeds in setting customized services as
Figure 3. Field trial by drone spray conditions. In 2020, SINVOCHEM developed China’s first 5-ton/day priority.
continuous Capsule Suspensions (CS) production line, which has been Now SINVOCHEM maintain a good cooperation
put into use by a pesticide manufacturer. At present, the production line with over 70% top of domestic formulators and main agro
Tackling formulation development difficulties to make can produce pyrethroids, amides, organophosphorus and pendimethalin institutes. In recent years, SINVOCHEM is successfully
technical breakthroughs capsule suspensions. The company also has made a technical cracking overseas market through locally formulation
breakthrough in lythidathion 65% Capsulated Dry Flowable (CDF). lab construction and in-tailored service collaborated with
Figure 2. Aerial application-oriented droplet assessment wind tunnel The quality of a formulation depends on many factors including SP-7450 is a polycarboxylate dispersant specially designed for MNCs or leading distributors.
formula composition, properties of AI(s), formulation processing, continuous microfluidic process. It is suitable to produce various In a word, SINVOCHEM provides not only various
application scenarios and storage conditions. To cope with the difficulties microcapsules by successfully solving the problem of encystation. adjuvants, but also application scenario- oriented solutions
SINVOCHEM has established a system that collects all data existing in formulation processing, while combining its own technical Microcapsules are not meant only to encapsulate pesticide AIs, over formulation or spraying technology, contributing
generated during the whole delivery process, and is investigating the strength and customer needs, SINVOCHEM has endeavored to make SINVOCHEM has conducted a great deal of researches on regulation to reduced pesticide usage while elevated agrochemical
relationship between pesticide molecular delivery behavior and pesticide both theoretic and practical breakthroughs, which are highly regarded of the release rate by changing interfacial property and the capsule wall efficacy.
liquid interfacial data, as well as correlation between actual application and trusted by customers. property. For example, synergist SP-6535 can regulate the release rate Service & Strength:
and field tests. The company has launched a series of tank-mix adjuvants, During the interview, Dr. Qin shared with us some typical cases. DF of the microcapsules. Take pyraclostrobin 9% CS as an example. When • Built-in surfactants (Polycaboxylates, Polyols,
such as tank-mix compatibilizer SP-6900, which improves the suspension formulation has developed rapidly in recent years as it is it is added by 5-10%, the microcapsule is diluted in water for spray in Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensate,
stability of various formulations under aerial applications; vegetable oil eco-friendly, highly efficient and suitable for aerial spraying. However, rice field, the microcapsule that has dropped into water does not rupture, Derivatives of polyols etc.) and tank-mix adjuvants (COCs,
based adjuvant, SP-4506, which effectively reduces evaporation rate and DF formulation produced via the widely-used spray granulation process reducing harm to aquatic life. On the other side, pesticide agent falling Silicone-polyether, Sulfosuccinate, Alkyoxylates etc.)
increases droplet deposition while keeping modest wetting, spreading nowadays has a poor wettability which results in a prolonged wetting onto rice leaf ruptures and the rupture rate increases with the evaporation • Support to full range of formulations with mimicking
and anti-drifting performance; Super spreader SP-4026, which presents time and granules accumulation in water. To tackle the poor wettability of water and increased dose of SP-6535. platform.
good compatibility with soybean oil and methyl oleate to significantly problem, SINVOCHEM’s R & D team, after numerous experiments, • Customized services including lab constructing/
improve the droplet anti-splashing and spreading properties at a dose of found that changing granule morphology and adjusting formula can Working with partners to provide upgraded service, equipment or instrument selecting/personnel or on-site
0.03% (2-10 times higher area coverage); cationic adjuvant effectively solve the problem of poor wettability at the root. Accordingly, seeking broader international cooperation production training…
SP-4806, which promotes the delivery of pesticide molecules in plant SINVOCHEM developed the “continuous-fluidized-bed DF formulation
with enhanced bioactivity of pyraclostrobin and triazole pesticides. processing technology” to change the particle morphology. At the same As customer’s requirement for innovative products and technical www.sinvochem.com
It is getting more difficult to commercialize novel pesticide time, two new types of formula solutions have been proposed – service become both diversified and specific, the delivery requirement alex@sinvochem.com
molecules, posing an increasing challenge on pesticide compounding coffee-colored formulation (with polycarboxylate dispersant stricter, SINVOCHEM has to constantly enhance its overall strength. +86-15094373731
and pesticide efficiency. Interaction between different pesticides makes it supplemented with lignosulfonate dispersant) and white-colored Besides offering assistance to agents or end customers in
hard to prepare stable formulations, especially for AIs with low melting or off-white-colored formulation (with polycarboxylate dispersant establishing a fully functional agrochemical laboratory and providing
point, or those are highly water-soluble or easy to decompose. Besides, supplemented with naphthalene sulfonate dispersant). technical training free of charge, SINVOCHEM is looking at chances of
different local application environments, application rates and crop It is well known that various problems may occur during the cooperation with more partners to set up branches in different countries
characteristics require specialized pesticide formulations to adapt to processing of low-melting-point AIs to DF formulations, including and regions to carry out business operations in a more intensive, efficient (By Grace Yuan, editor of AgroPages, grace@agropages.com)
Interview Interview
dealing with a better tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. will retain 'memory' of this activation as it is an epigenetic mechanism.
Unlike extracts with a mix of untargeted molecules, Fyteko's single Epigenetic memory in plants refers to the changes in patterns of gene
Fyteko: Committed to Producing Advanced molecule removes all potential interferences and enables a more precise
observation of the protective roles and modulation of signalling networks
expression that occur without alterations in DNA sequence. The stress
stimulation triggered by Fyteko’s signal molecule activates the plant's
in crops. This has allowed Fyteko to fully identify the mode of action epigenetic memory and will render it more resilient to subsequent
Plant Biosolutions Based on Hydroxycinnamic in the induction of natural responses related to plant stress, clearly
establishing causal effect.
environmental stress. When a heatwave or drought occurs, the plant
will have a higher osmoprotectants content, and will be able to produce
In addition, Fyteko’s formulation are engineered as agrochemicals osmoprotectants faster, which help to withstand adverse conditions.
Acid Derivative Oligomers at Large Scale in order to improve robustness and efficacy of the hydrocinnamic acid
oligomers. They are stable on the long term and don’t require specific
Fyteko’s R&D started measuring plant internal metabolites such as
Proline and Antioxidants as they play important roles in plants’ response
storage requirements. to abiotic stress. These solutes provide protection to plants from stress
Having a single active ingredient confers a lot of advantage in term by contributing to cellular osmotic adjustment, ROS detoxification,
of compatibility when positioning the product in conventional agriculture protection of membrane integrity and enzymes/protein stabilization.
treatment scheme. Nurspray if fully tank-mix compatible with pesticides From this stage a clear link was established between the application
“Fyteko is the only company worldwide producing hydroxycinnamic acid derivative oligomers or foliar fertilisers. Nurseed is compatible with all agrochemicals used in of hydrocinnamic acid oligomers and increase of protecting internal
at large scale, starting from biobased raw materials, and using an eco-friendly procedure. The slurry and improve their application on seeds. Nursoil can be mixed in metabolites.
production process is water based and doesn’t require the use of any harsh chemical. This fertirrigation or drip systems without provoking any clogging issues. Then to validate this MOA, Fyteko works at different level starting at
innovative biomolecule is delivered in plants through different engineered formulations to ensure transcriptomic level (mRNA level changes), specific enzymes activation
maximal efficacy in field conditions,” said Dr Juan Carlos Cabrera, Co-founder & CTO of Fyteko Mode of action (MOA) (biochemical measurements) and metabolites profiling (metabolome
in a recent interview with AgroPages. When applied to crops, this active ingredient triggers the response analysis). This process starts with a cascade of reactions that reprogram
He also shared his views on biostimulant products and special features of Fyteko, plans to to hydric or heat stress, just as the plant’s own signalling molecules genetic expression and change metabolic content in the plant cells.
Dr. Juan Carlos Cabrera develop new products, challenges of biostimulant formulations & solutions, as well as the market would have done under adverse conditions. In this way, Fyteko’s signal Fyteko has scientific evidence that hydrocinnamic acid oligomers
Co-founder & CTO of Fyteko prospects etc. molecule pre-activates or directly triggers plant response before the stress application on plants increase proline and other osmo-protectants
occurs, enabling better tolerance and recovery, and protecting yield. content, modulate of the activity of ROS detoxifying enzymes and
Applied before abiotic stress, the molecule enables the plant to react as if increase accumulation of antioxidants metabolites, giving the crops better
stress is occurring, and naturally activate its survival strategies. The plant resistance to abiotic stress.
Could you briefly introduce Fyteko and the team's Could you introduce Fyteko’s biostimulant products
background? and special features, mode of action, and its innovation
and application value? What are the plan to develop new
Established in 2014 by bio- products?
entrepreneurs Guillaume Wegria
and Dr Juan Carlos Cabrera, Fyteko’s biostimulant products are based on hydrocinnamic acid
Fyteko is a committed climate- oligomers, which are part of plant’s own cell wall structure. Cell walls
smart company, focused on the surround all plant cells, and during abiotic stress, they are one of the first
development of advanced plant organ impacted. Even though the structural function of hydroxycinnamic
biosolutions. acid oligomers in the plant cell wall is known, Fyteko demonstrated
At Fyteko, we’re not just guided by science. We’re creating the for the first time and patented its use as a natural biostimulant. Indeed,
science. The team is rooted with scientific backgrounds (chemists, the exogenous application of these biomolecules on crops can improve
biochemists, bioengineers, agronomists and plant biologists). agronomic efficiency. In short, nature inspired us to find a solution: our
Our science is inspired by nature. If you know where to look, unique patent-protected approach ‘primes’ plants to be ready to deal with
nature often has its own solution. And in our case, nature’s helping environmental changes such as extremes of temperature and droughts.
to challenge the world of crop protection products. Based on hydrocinnamic acid oligomers, Fyteko has developed a range
In developing our products, we went back to square one: what of products: Nurspray (Foliar spray), Nurseed (Seed Treatment) and Nursoil
would nature do? We found the answer in signal molecules: we (Soil Drench - Fertirrigation).
concluded with a patent that defines a fully identifiable mode of
action for biostimulant development. Today our first product is a Special features
biostimulant, but our biosynthesis technology has the ability to While the vast majority of commercial biostimulants are based on a
generate other new biomolecules. Our original research develops mixture of different molecules of variable composition; the active ingredient
and refines our products to deliver tangible, realistic benefits – developed by Fyteko is a single molecule, with a well-defined structure.
Dr. Juan Carlos Cabrera, Co-founder & CTO of Fyteko (left);
clearly defined, extensively proven. This natural product is a pre-activator of various metabolic pathways
Guillaume Wegria, Co-Founder & CEO of Fyteko (right)
Interview Interview
Innovation NURSEEDMAX: Based on the same signal biomolecule as On our side, we strategically focus on some key crops to fully What market regions is Fyteko focusing on now?
Fyteko is the only company worldwide producing hydroxycinnamic NURSEED®, NURSEED®MAX contains co-formulants that enhance its understand crops response, farmers practices/expectations to develop
acid derivative oligomers at large scale, staring from biobased raw effects and enable its use on high value vegetables. NURSEED®MAX our products accordingly. Compatibility studies performed and window Today, Fyteko is mainly focusing on legume crops (soybean, peas,
materials, and using an eco-friendly procedure. The production process is compatible with seed film-coating in precision application of color of application being well defined, we are now also making large scale beans, …) were our product show significant results. Given the size of
is water based and doesn’t require the use of any harsh chemical. pigments, plant protection products, beneficial microorganisms and other demos and registrations in Europe, North and Latin America. Climate-led the company we can’t go everywhere at once. Products are registered in
This innovative biomolecule is delivered in plants through different biologicals (rate of use 10 mL/Kg). occurrences are expected to become more frequent and more pronounced most of EU countries and in Ukraine. They are under registration process
engineered formulations to ensure maximal efficacy in field conditions. NURSOIL: A soil-drench solution to reach plant roots (in as climate change evolves. We are convinced that the use of such in USA, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay.
development). sustainable products will become recurrent in order to protect the world’s
Application value crops from abiotic stress and ensure global food security. Fyteko’s business mode
NURSPRAY: signal biomolecule foliar spray formulation to be Plan to develop new products Fyteko produces and sells Nurspray, to distributors who will then
applied with agrochemicals (rate of use 1L/ha in tank mix with fertilisers Currently, Fyteko’s R&D team is developing others ground-breaking What's the challenge of biostimulant formulation? deliver it to end-users. These distributors have existing brand recognition,
or pesticides). Effective as from 24 hours after application. Nurspray products for agricultural use based on this innovative biosynthesis What's the biggest difference from other agri-inputs like networks and channels to sell the products in their markets (national
is particularly effective on Legume crops. Depending on the crops and platform. Using safe and sustainable inputs and our novel bio-based traditional pesticides/biopesticides etc? What do you think or group of countries). On the other hand, Nurseed is only sold to seed
environmental stress faced during crops’ life cycle, average final yield technology, our aim is always to develop new active ingredients. In of the role of adjuvants in biostimulant development? companies, which apply Fyteko’s product on their seeds before selling
gains are in the 5 to 10 % gain in average. these developments, Fyteko is working in collaboration with commercial them via their usual distribution channels. In all cases, Fyteko currently
NURSPRAYHC: signal biomolecule highly concentrated aqueous partners, universities and research institutions with whom we share Formulation science is as crucial for biostimulants as it is for works both with SMEs and large corporations.
formulation for intensive row crops (rate of use 0,2L/ha in tank mix with common goals and objectives. conventional crop protection products. Formulation is crucial in
fertilisers or pesticides). Yielding similar results than Nurspray if used in Fyteko is also participating in collaborative research programs and determining the performance of a bioactive molecule in real conditions Plan to extend new markets
tank mix already containing adjuvants. was recently awarded an important European Horizon 2020 funding (EIC (fields). A marketable agricultural formulation is generally composed The idea is to follow this crop focused strategy, moving in a second
NURSEEDHC: seed treatment solution to be mixed in slurry (rate accelerator NURSPRAY Grant agreement ID: 953636) to help progress of at least two major components, the active ingredient (a bioactive stage to vegetables (also showing good results) and expand geography
0,1L/100Kg seeds), specifically designed for use in row crops. Nurseed breakthroughs and discoveries from the lab to the market. molecule or combination of bioactive molecules showing additive or accordingly.
will enhance plant germination and seedling establishment under heat synergistic effects) and adjuvant(s). Adjuvants are “inert components”
and water stress with long-lasting impact, resulting in higher recovered How can biostimulants be used to give the best returns, helping to improve the properties of the formulation: wetting, spreading, What are the main challenges you face? And how do
yields (1 to 5% average gains depending on crops and environmental for instance, right climatic conditions, equipment or rain-fastness and persistence of the active ingredient(s) on the leaf you address them?
conditions). technology support, or any other specific requirement for surface; promote the rate of uptake and time stability of the bioactive
use of these products? molecules but also maintaining long shelf-life. Registrations and Time to market: Though it is changing,
Some commercial companies developing biostimulants understand Biostimulants are known as being easier to register in some countries.
Best use of biostimulants requires a deep knowledge of the only "formulation development" as the combination of active molecules But with lighter registration process, the client needs to be assured of
mechanism of action of the product, as well as the physiological response of different origins, and the adjuvant aspect is rarely addressed. Different the product’s efficacy before committing to it. This can therefore lead
of the target crop to stress conditions. The beneficial effect on yields due factors have conditioned this situation: to at least 2-to-3-year evaluation process. To address these challenges
to the application of biostimulants is highly dependent on the way the - Adjuvancy is a complex topic, requiring specialized and costly we adapted our strategy, by focusing developments on key crops and
plant activates its tolerance mechanisms after perceiving the active(s) laboratory equipment but also time and trial/error experiments. registering the products ourselves rather than relying only on distribution
component(s) of the product; but also, the intensity and frequency of the - The legislation of some countries is unclear about the presence partners. We also started our own field trials in the Southern hemisphere
environmental stressing factors and the physiological state of the plant. of adjuvants in biostimulant products. This often implies additional and in the US to demonstrate in large scale our product’s performance
Biostimulant products are first developed under controlled complexity for product registration. with the aim to reduce the time to market as much as possible.
conditions (evaluating the response of model plants under simulated - Adding an adjuvant could represents an important cost in a sector
stress conditions) and subsequently, most promising candidates are where prices are relatively low and with high market pressure. What do you think of the market prospects of
evaluated under real field conditions. The assessment of the performance - It is a common practice to apply biostimulants in the tank mix in biostimulants in different market regions?
in real conditions is the most important stage of development of the combination with other agrochemicals already providing adjuvants for
biostimulant. At this stage, it is important to identify in which conditions the application. In row crops, from our experience we see more yield gains in
the selected crop will respond best to the application of the product. In addition, some adjuvants have been reported to have numerous extensive farming. In addition, extensive farming is often corelated
Many and accurate experimental data are needed under similar field negative health effects in humans and on the environment. However, in with regions where there is more climate stress. It is the case in Latin
conditions to correctly map the response of the crop under different recent years, companies specialized in adjuvant development have long America but also Eastern Europe. Regions where farmers don’t have the
types and intensity of abiotic stress. This study is essential to select invested to develop risk-free, natural derived or bio-based adjuvants. possibility to invest a lot in inputs and where the shift to “bio-agriculture”
the right time to apply the product, to define the dose and frequency of Currently, a considerable number of this new generation of eco-friendly or “organic agriculture” as we define it in Europe is not going to happen
application, and above all, to define how the product can provide benefits adjuvants can be found on the market. at short term. That is why, Fyteko’s focus on developing biostimulants
to the crop under environmental conditions, often difficult to predict. At Fyteko, from the beginning of the development of our that fit conventional agriculture practice (compatibility, ease of use, price,
Today, new satellite technologies are allowing more accurate biostimulants, we were aware of the importance of the formulation. …). That’s how we aim to play a key role in today’s global ecological
prediction of climate change, even on a local level. The spectacular In collaboration with specialized research centres and universities and transition.
development of robotics and sensor technology is making these using the advanced technological capacity of our own laboratories,
technologies more accessible to farmers. Unquestionably, these advances we have developed cutting-edge formulations with optimal chemical
will help in a significant way to insert the use of biostimulants in physical properties, using biobased components and allowing to deliver
agricultural practices, helping to significantly reduce the environmental effectively our active biomolecules in plants. (By Grace Yuan, editor of AgroPages, grace@agropages.com)
impact of agricultural practices.
Interview Interview
Rotam CropSciences: Insight Into

With government in many markets implementing stringent laws compounds. It acts both preventatively through the residue remaining
and regulations on agrochemical products, and general public having on the plant surface and curatively entering quickly into the plant. It
concerns on food safety and environmental protection, the business can be used in all pH range and in combination with most fungicides
Innovations, Challenges and Solutions in environment facing the industry has never been so challenging. To
address these issues, we strengthen our service and product portfolio,
we are committed to ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards
and insecticides on the market. Dose rates are very small due to the
high potency of copper ions, and their fast penetration and translocation
in plant tissues. Another important advantage is that it does not cause
Formulation Development of compliance and implement quality management system across all
operations to assure that requirements and compliances are met. We
phytotoxicity to plants as other copper compounds do.
We see potential in nanotechnology as an effective solution
stay focus on driving product enhancements by our core competence of to multiple agriculture-related problems. We would develop more
technical knowhow and high level of regulatory expertise. For instance, nanotechnology-based agrochemicals to help customers grow better
the new product Rotam Abacus® V6 not only is a low VOC formulation, crops, quantity and quality wise.
but it also offers excellent efficacy and can be applied safely to a broad
range of vegetable crops. Could you share some changes of regulation & policy
“The field of formulation technology provides a very wide scope and multiple and countermeasures in Latin America?
aspects for research development and innovation in order to improve and enhance Could you highlight the innovation formulation
product performance. Innovation in formulation technology is not limited to finding a technologies launched by Rotam and special features? Over the years, environmental laws and regulations have been
evolving. It has become a trend that the use of Category 1 toxic
new formulation type but also on improving, optimizing and perfecting the traditional
The field of formulation technology provides a very wide scope and chemical substances is getting limited, if not fully prohibited.
formulation types,” said Mr. Prabhakar Kumar, Director, Research & Development,
multiple aspects for research development and innovation in order to By applying our professional formulation technology, we change
Regulatory and Business Development of Rotam CropSciences in a recent interview
improve and enhance product performance. Innovation in formulation the inert system of product to comply with regulatory requirements but
with AgroPages.
technology is not limited to finding a new formulation type but also on without compromising the safety performance, efficacy and stability.
He also shared his views on product layout and development strategies of Rotam,
improving, optimizing and perfecting the traditional formulation types. One of the examples is Rotam Lash® 43 in Argentina, which is
innovation formulation technologies launched by Rotam, major challenges& potential
For instance, we know that suspension concentrate (SC) formulations developed from the original Lash® 90. With our formulation technology,
solutions of Latin American agchem market and future development plan etc.
are more environment friendly as compared to a traditional EC or EW its toxic classification has been changed from red to yellow, but its
formulation. However, it is always a challenge to match the efficacy of reduced toxicity does not influence the desired control of insecticides
Mr. Prabhakar Kumar
an EC formulation with that of a SC formulation for the same TG. That such as lepidopteran, aphids and mites in extensive crops, fruits, citrus
Director, Research & Development, Regulatory and Business Development
is where expertise and innovation come at play. SC formulations are one and floral.
of Rotam CropSciences Ltd.
of the core strengths of Rotam. The success of Rotam’s Tebuconazole
430 SC formulation in Europe against the well-established EC/EW What is the development plan of Rotam in Latin
formulations is a good example. America?
Even when working with EC/EW formulations, Rotam applies
innovation in selecting greener solvent system to develop products with Glocalization is one of our key strategies. To meet customer needs,
better environmental and tox profiles. The most recent example is the we continue to research and develop quality formulations in expanding
launch of Rotam Abacus® V6 in the US. This is the 3rd generation our global portfolio. At the same time, we strive to provide complete
What are the product layout and development crop protection needs in common, but on the other hand, there are big formulation tech of the same TG, maintaining the same formulation solutions for selected crops by local markets.
strategies in Rotam Brazil and Argentina? differences in farm practices. We have to adapt our plan and portfolio type of EC. The first generation Abacus® when launched in 2007 In Latin America, some governments are driving domestic
for the synergy as well as the diversity. Moreover, we continue to invest was recognized as even better than the leading brand. Then driven by manufacturing of formulations. We must ensure that a flexible
Rotam CropSciences Ltd. is a global agrochemical company in a robust pipeline of product development and registrations for both California requirements for VOC regulations, we introduced the second framework is in place to cope with the respective requirements. This
focused on crop protection, with commercial operations in more than countries to further strengthen our complete crop solution portfolio. generation as Abacus® V. Recently we have upgraded the product to implies that we should strengthen our capability in procurement and
75 markets worldwide. We provide quality products and solutions with Abacus® V6. diversify supply chain and manufacturing for future needs.
professional technical support for crop protection and plant nutrition. In Could you introduce the production base in Brazil?
Argentina and Brazil, we offer a comprehensive and excellent portfolio What are the major challenges& potential solutions of Rotam recently launched copper nanotechnology
of products for the key crops like cereals, corn, cotton, peanut, soybean Latin American agchem market? tool ‘Kypros’ in Brazil, what do you see for the future
and sugarcane. This portfolio comprising of fungicides, herbicides, of applying nanotechnology-based agrochemicals? Is
insecticides and plant nutrition helps growers achieve sustainable The production base in Brazil for Rotam is a need-based there any plan to launch more nanotechnology-based
productivity by overcoming challenges in pest and weed management. complementary arrangement to our centralized global production hub in agrochemicals?
Backed by our fully integrated R&D and manufacturing operation Asia. We manage this production through toll manufacturing under our
capability, we put into efforts and resources in developing value- strict supervision and as per our technology and specifications. Most Rotam Kypros® is an innovative offering that aims to boost the
added product formulations for standalone as well as differentiated of the time the products selected for local production in Brazil is either defense mechanism of plants. The product provides a long lasting
mixture products to meet the needs of local markets. Between the subject to strategic considerations or driven by limitation on export protection thus ensuring better quality yield. It is one of the most
two large markets of Argentina and Brazil, they have many crops and feasibility from China. active forms of copper therefore more effective than classical copper (By Grace Yuan, editor of AgroPages, grace@agropages.com)
high electrolyte tolerance when the formulation is diluted in a spray tank, NINATE® 100L, the latest addition to Stepan’s calcium salt
allowing for uniform coverage. portfolio, is a 100% active linear calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate
Stepan Company: Innovative and As part of Stepan's corporate sustainability objectives, we are
committed to reducing water usage in our products and processes, and
(CaDDBSA) supplied in dry form. CaDDBSA products are
among the most widely used anionic surfactants in agrochemical
providing technologies that enable our customers to do the same. As a formulations. Their favorability among formulators can be attributed
Sustainable New Products 100% active product, STEPFAC 8181 PT3K offers the sustainability benefit
of containing zero water, the potential to reduce pesticide application usage,
to their excellent emulsification, less regulatory concerns compared
to alternative co-formulants and widespread availability. To date,
for Crop Protection

and use less water in the field due to its improved compatibility. CaDDBSA products on the market have been offered in liquid
HALLCOMID® 1025 is a metathesis-derived C10 dimethyl amide. flowable form that are dissolved in various solvents, e.g., 2-ethyl
Derived from vegetable oil, HALLCOMID 1025 has a BCI of 83; meaning hexanol, butanol, aromatic solvents, etc. While this practice may
83% of the carbons in the product are from a naturally derived source. allow for easier handling, solvents have obvious disadvantages
This readily biodegradable compound contains amide and terminal olefin including flammability, human and environmental toxicity,
functionalities to impart unique solvent functionality (see Figure 1). formulation incompatibility and are VOCs. NINATE 100L provides a
Increasing regulatory pressure on many (volatile organic compound) solvents, Additionally, it is non-flammable, has a low vapor pressure, a mild, low more sustainable solution by eliminating the need for solvents to give
traditional co-formulants has been an ongoing 2) removal of water to make concentrated odor, and low pour point. With these advantages, combined with a Kauri- formulators a cleaner product with the flexibility to use in a wider
challenge facing formulators for years. Examples products for more efficient for transport, butanol value over 1000, this solvent can solubilize a wide range of actives range of formulations.
range from the early phase out of chemistries 3) high bio-renewable carbon index, (BCI)* to create stable, safer formulations.
including nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) and 4) products that enhance the efficacy of actives STEPOSOL® ME
N-methylpyrrolidinone, to the more recent to allow improved control and potential reduction in
Re-solubilization Dilution
pressure on tallow amine ethoxylates and pesticide utilization, and
Formulation
tristyrylphenols that have been under increasing 5) products that improve compatibility to enable
Ryan Totten scrutiny. The challenges that formulators face labor savings for farmers.
R&D Manager with Stepan will undoubtably become further complicated Herein we report four recent products that
Figure 1. Structure of HALLCOMID 1025 (N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide). Figure 3. NINATE 100L comes in flake form and can be reconstituted
Agricultural Solutions by the implications of the European Chemicals each have their own sustainability benefits, are
in a variety of solvents. In the example above, NINATE 100L is
Agency’s (ECHA) pending microplastics readily biodegradable and compliant with pending
solubilized in STEPOSOL ME, which is a methyl ester of soybean oil
regulation. While the intent of the legislation is microplastics regulations.
A key advantage that HALLCOMID 1025 offers is better cold that can be used as a replacement for aromatic solvents.
focused on the removal of microplastics from STEPFAC™ 8181 PT3K is a novel, 100%
temperature stability over its saturated analog. The terminal double bond
crop protection products, many in our industry active phosphate ester potassium salt that is
lowers the pour point of HALLCOMID 1025 to -24°C (vs -12°C for the
view the imminent law as the first step toward designed for use as a dispersant in oil dispersion STEPGROW™ 90 is a new 90-10 nonionic surfactant (NIS)
saturated amide), resulting in better dilution stability in cold temperatures
a larger sustainability initiative and the use (OD) formulations. Neutralized phosphate tank mix adjuvant. Given that the majority of 90-10 NIS products
(see Figure 2). Additionally, the electron rich double bond increases the
of biodegradable products whenever feasible. esters with “hard” counterions such as sodium or on the market still contain NPEs, this NPE-free adjuvant gives
overall polarity of the molecule and allows for more interaction with pi
Given that so many crop protection companies potassium are typically available only in diluted growers a more sustainable alternative. Specially formulated for
electron-containing active ingredients.
are global, they will need to source sustainable form due to how they are made and to avoid gel better leaf coverage and enhanced active ingredient uptake, Stepan
inert ingredients for use in new agrochemical phases that are common above a 30 – 40% actives observed increased efficacy when compared to a leading NPE-based
formulation development, as well as reformulate level. Stepan Company’s unique manufacturing N,N-dimethyl decanamide N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide commercial product (see Figure 4). Additionally, STEPGROW 90 is
existing products away from problematic process allows us to produce a 100% active Tebuconazole 2EC expected to be readily biodegradable.**
components and microplastics. When factoring potassium-neutralized phosphate ester, thereby
in other mega trends like reduced pesticide use eliminating the use of water and providing
or an increase in organic farming, there is a formulators with a valuable addition to their Signalgrass - 5 oz./Acre
clear need for new co-formulants that meet the toolbox. 7 DAY 28 DAY
growing challenges of today. ODs remain among the most difficult 100
90
Stepan Agricultural Solutions is dedicated formulations to develop, mostly due to challenges 80
70
% Control
to providing innovative products that in maintaining stability that are exacerbated by a 60
50
40
have outstanding performance and unique general lack of co-formulant options, especially 30
20
sustainability benefits. While “sustainability” sustainable, oil soluble dispersants. The unique 10
0
is a broad term with many meanings and structure and potassium counterion of STEPFAC Commercial Quizalofop Commercial Quizalofop Commercial Quizalofop
interpretations, our technical development has 8181 PT3K combine to make a highly effective 50 342 1000 50 342 1000
p-ethyl (no adjuvant) p-ethyl + Commercial 90 p-ethyl + STEPGROW 90
Adjuvant Adjuvant
focused on sustainable products through the dispersant that helps maintain stability of the Water Hardness Levels
following criteria: OD concentrate. As an added benefit, STEPFAC
Figure 2. Tebuconazole 2EC diluted into hard water. Emulsions were stored Figure 4. Field trial results comparing STEPGROW 90 to a leading
1) removal of aromatic and high VOC 8181 PT3K promotes good emulsion stability and
for 72 hours at 0 °C then evaluated for stability. NPE-containing 90-10 product.
* BCI is the number of biorenewable carbons derived from plant-, animal- or marine-based sources, divided by the number of total carbons in an idealized molecule. ** Each component of this blend is readily biodegradable.
To further our commitment in providing sustainable solutions to commitment to safe and sustainable agriculture, our customers’ growth
the market, Stepan recently completed the construction of our new and to farmers worldwide who face ever-increasing challenges that
Agricultural Innovation Center. require new innovations,” says Jason Keiper, Stepan Company Chief
Strategically located near Stepan’s manufacturing site in Winder, Technology and Sustainability Officer.
Georgia, U.S., the Agricultural Innovation Center is intended to facilitate The temperate climate in Georgia also will enable Stepan to test
collaboration with customers and further accelerate Stepan’s research year-round, helping accelerate Stepan’s large-scale production rate and
and development in the agricultural industry. ability to bring new solutions to the market more rapidly.
The Agricultural Innovation Center will include a greenhouse for live Stepan recognizes the need for sustainable solutions in agriculture.
plant testing and research, a training center for formulation development, There are many factors driving this trend, including regulatory changes,
a spray chamber for studying driftable fines, a Class II lab to support consumer preferences, and the increasing use of biological active
biological formulation development, and labs dedicated to liquid and dry ingredients and organic farming. Going forward, Stepan is well-
formulation design and support. positioned to offer sustainable crop protection solutions and enable our
“The Agricultural Innovation Center is a testament to our customers’ growth.
Figure 5. Stepan’s new Agricultural Innovation Center in Winder, Georgia, U.S.
Key benefits derived from oil-based formulations It is essential for the OE to be soluble in the solvent in order to
prevent the solid particles to clump together into a floc and improve
In oil-based formulations the oil can act as an adjuvant by interacting the overall stability given that the active ingredient is insoluble in
with the cuticle, they provide better contact to the hydrophobic surface by water and suspended for a length of time. The table 1 shows the
spreading over the cuticle wax and better bio-efficacy by penetration into difference of the solubility of three different BREAK-THRU® OE
it. Penetration into leaves is one of the most essential steps for biological products with various solvents required for their incorporation in
performance. The cuticle wax is the limiting barrier of the leaf for the the formulation. For every kind of oil Evonik offers a dedicated
transport of the active ingredients, this barrier can be significantly lowered by BREAK-THRU® OE product.
oils. Therefore, when the oils come in contact with the cuticle, this leads to
a swelling of the cuticle waxes becoming more permeable and therefore the What makes our BREAK-THRU® OIL ENHANCERS
active ingredient can better penetrate into the interior of the leaf. Due to these distinct?
EVONIK OPERATIONS: Multifunctional properties, oils increase the biological efficacy of the formulation.
By inducing bigger droplets of the tank mix spray oils can also reduce
drift. Thus, they improve the environmental performance by reducing drift
BREAK-THRU® OE enables by its multifunctional mode of
action an increase in performance of sustainable formulations and
Additives for Performance Enhancement of pollution in its surroundings during the spraying process, and due to the
increased performance of the active ingredient less chemicals can be sprayed.
allows to reduce the applied amount of oil volumes that further
supports sustainability.
MSO are particularly recognized to have the above described anti-drift One of the key features of BREAK-THRU® OE is improving the
Oil-based Formulations properties. But also, other oils show a similar performance. It is believed
that the mechanism that leads to lamella break-up when oils are being used.
penetration by cuticle interaction with the waxy leaf layers. A clear
illustration of figure 1 shows the penetration of Rhodamine B as a
mimic for a lipophilic active into a bean leaf analyzed by confocal
EVONIK’s approach to enhance the performance of oil-based laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The difference of a formulation
formulations with and without BREAK-THRU® OE is demonstrated in the
penetration of the lipophilic substances (simulating the oil) into
The performance of oils can be improved by additives so called oil epidermal cells. The picture on the right clearly shows the enhanced
enhancers (OE). Added in small quantities to OD formulations such oil up-take in leaf facilitated by the additive.
enhancers reduce the surface tension of oils which improves the spreading of
the oils on a hydrophobic leaf surfaces providing and even better contact to
the waxy cuticle.
Evonik additives for oil dispersions are in the market for many years
and known as BREAK-THRU® OE additives designed to improve the
performance of oil-based crop protection formulations. BREAK-THRU® OE
additives are based on organo-modified siloxane chemistry which combines
Sarah Efat Carsten Riedl Rene Hensel the advantages of silicone with oleochemicals. They work by lowering the
Marketing Manager EMEA Surface Market Manager Agro EMEA Head of Innovation Management surface tension of oils and solvents, thus enabling faster and more complete pure RHODAMINE® B Dye RHODAMINE® B Dye + 0.1% BREAK-THRU® OE 446
Technologies at Evonik at Evonik Agro EMEA at Evonik leaf coverage and penetration into the plant. Added in small amounts, they
enhance the efficacy of oil-based pesticides formulations. As oil preferences Figure 1. CLSM study of penetration of the pseudo-lipophilic
and compositions vary globally, the BREAK-THRU® OE comprise a series pesticide mimic (Rhodamine B) into bean leaves, horizontal sections:
of products designed for a broad spectrum of oils from vegetable to mineral 10 μm below surface, 4 hours after application. CW: Epidermal Cell
The key selling points for newer formulation technologies for water insoluble or sensitive active ingredients. Oil dispersions based formulation types. These products are suitable for use in EC, EW, SE, Wall, EC: Epidermal Cell, SG: Stomatal Guard Cell.
include improved handling, optimized adhesion, spreading and (OD) are one type of liquid formulation and are defined as stable and OD crop protection formulations. Moreover, Evonik BREAK-THRU® Left photo without BREAK-THRU® OE; right photo with BREAK-
up-take and an overall better environmental profile. The basic suspensions of active ingredients in a water-immiscible fluid OE increase the performance of such sustainable formulations. THRU® OE.
components of an agricultural oil dispersion formulation are which may contain other dissolved active ingredients and is
the solvent or oil phase and the dispersed solid phase. These intended for dilution with water before use.
basic components may include active ingredients, petroleum Oil dispersion formulations have recently become more
or naturally derived solvents, safeners, rheology modifiers, important in current formulation research and application. For
emulsifiers, dispersants and other co-formulants that help deliver examples OD formulations are applied for sugar beet, rice,
the desired attributes of the product. maize or cereals. Oils like methylated seed oil (MSO) are used
Majority of pesticides are formulated and applied in aqueous in many formulations like emulsion concentrates (EC) and oil
form. Some pesticides, however, exhibit limited water solubility. dispersions. The long-term outlook is likely to see a growth in
Alternatively, mineral and vegetable oils serve as the carriers to these formulation technologies as they offer new solutions and
deliver these actives to plants or pests. Oils are excellent carriers come with multiple advantages.
Table 1. Solubility of BREAK-THRU® OE Product Range at 5 %-wt %
In addition, BREAK-THRU® OE increases the leaf coverage of oils by enhancing OD formulations 1 and 2 were prepared in the
the spreading property. Figure 2 shows the spreading effect of 1 droplet of 10 μL lab and tested for their performance in field trials. Evonik Operations GmbH
samples on a potato leaf after 2 minutes of spraying. An undisputed difference is Formulation 1 and 2 are OD formulations with
apparent between the two sections. On the right section, the droplets on the leaf Nicosulfuron (1) and Rimsulfuron (2) based on
coverage is spread out using the paraffinic oil with 1% of BREAK-THRU® OE, while sunflower oil with 3% BREAK-THRU® OE 440. Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty
on the left section, the covered leaf area on potato leaf is much smaller. As additional ingredients the formulations contain chemicals. The company is active in more than
emulsifier, dispersant and rheology modifier. 100 countries around the world and generated sales
Guideline formulations and field trial results of €12.2 billion and an operating profit (adjusted
Formulation 1 and 2:
EBITDA) of €1.91 billion in 2020. Evonik goes far
beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable
Formulation 1 and sustainable solutions for customers. More than
g/L Ingredient Function 33,000 employees work together for a common
Figure 4. Formulation 1 versus commercial standard OD formulation on
purpose: We want to improve life today and
45.0 Nicosulfuron Active POA Pratensis glasshouse trials
tomorrow.

q.s. Sunflower oil Solvent
The results also show that OD in general can outperform the WP BREAK-THRU® - Surfactant technology from
30.0 BREAK-THRU® OE 440 Oil Enhancer formulations with the same active. The OD is therefore a tool to reduce Evonik
chemical actives and a modern answer to a better environmental impact when We are committed to providing specialty
50.0 BREAK-THRU® DA 646 Dispersant using the latter. The oil enhancer even improves this fact. It is essential that additives to the agricultural industry used as
the oil enhancer is a good dispersible and soluble in the oil to provide this spreaders, penetrants, antifoams, emulsifiers and
120.0 BREAK-THRU® EM V20 Emulsifier
effect.
dispersants in tank mix applications as well as in
30.0 TEGIN® OV Emulsifier Formulation 2 was applied (2 times) in a field trial on potatoes against
Paraffinic oil without Paraffinic oil + 1% crop protection formulations. With an emphasis on
weed (TTTTT) and compared versus a commercial water dispersible granule
OE-Enhancer BREAK-THRU® OE 444 innovative solutions, we offer agricultural solutions
30.0 AEROSIL 200 Thickener formulation. After 14 days formulation 2 shows weed control close to 100%
based on both siloxane and organic surfactants
even at reduced treat rate of 240 ml/ha (30 g active ingredient)
Figure 2. Spreading of a paraffinic oil-based formulation with and without BREAK- under the BREAKTHRU® brand name.
THRU® OE 444 on a potato leaf
Formulation 2
www.evonik.com/break-thru
Another attribute the usage of BREAK-THRU® OE adds to the OD formulations, g/L Ingredient Function break-thru@evonik.com
is preventing phase separation and improving its stabilization, as OD tend to separate
over time. Figure 3 illustrates how BREAK-THRU® OE 440 significantly reduces 125.0 Rimsulfuron Active
Contact us on:
syneresis of a Nicosulfuron 45 g/L OD formulation based on sunflower oil, left tube EMEA
q.s. Sunflower oil Solvent
Nicosulfuron OD formulation with BREAK-THRU® OE 440 (Formulation 1) and Phone: +49 201 173 2665
the right tube a market standard formulation without BREAK-THRU® OE 440. 30.0 BREAK-THRU® OE 440 Oil Enhancer Fax: +49 301 173 1990
The formulation including the oil enhancers is more stable showing a much lower

tendency for phase separation. 50.0 BREAK-THRU® DA646 Dispersant
Americas
136.0 BREAK-THRU® EM V20 Emulsifier Phone: +1 804 727 0700
Fax: +1 804 727 0855
34.0 TEGIN® OV Emulsifier
Figure 5. Formulation 2 against WDG formulation commercial standard on
20.0 AEROSIL 200 Thickener weed on potatoes Asia | Pacific
Phone: +86 21 6119-1125
Fax: +86 21 6119-1406
In conclusion for actives which are formulated with oils, ranging from
Formulation 1 was applied in a glass-house trial on mineral to different kind of vegetable oils, the performance can be enhanced
POA Pratensis (Kentucky Black Grass) in a dose level by oil enhancers. These kinds of BREAK-THRU® OE additives increase the
of 10 g and 2.5 g of active ingredient/ha in comparison spreading area of an oil-based formulations on the surface of the leave and at
to a commercial OD herbicide formulation. 20 and 30 the same time accelerate the up-take. Thus, use of oil enhancers upgrades the
days after treatment formulation 1 shows enhanced performance of formulations which contain oils. In addition, they stabilize
performance in weed control (Figure 4). OD formulations and can also reduce crystal growths and agglomeration of
actives on the leaf. This leads finally to increased biological efficacy.
Figure 3. Nicosulfuron OD formulation with and without BREAK-THRU® OE
440
MORE WITH LESS – EVONIK

SPECIALITY ADDITIVES FOR
AGRO FORMULATIONS
Effective at low concentration, Evonik is committed to providing excellent product

performance of its specialty additives to the agricultural industry for uses such as
tank mix adjuvants, in-can spreaders and penetrants, antifoams, dispersants and
emulsifiers for crop protection formulations. Our latest product offerings include
Insecticides
solutions for biopesticides to enhance shelf-life and performance. Intelligent farming
with STOCKOSORB can overcome today‘s obstacles by improving water and Fungicides
nutrient conversion rates into growth and yield.

Herbicides
Our experienced technical staff offer formulation support for your product
development. Plant Growth
Regulators
With an emphasis on innovative and sustainable solutions, we offer agricultural
additives based on a broad range of technology under the brand names:
• BREAK-THRU Nourishing
• BREAK-GARD
• SURFYNOL 
• TOMADOL 
• STOCKOSORB
Contact us on break-thru@evonik.com
Responsibly
B-4, Bhagwan Das Nagar, East Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi-110026, India
Phone: +91 11 45803300 | Email: info@bestagrolife.com
www.bestagrolife.com
technology was conducted for coating miller. The compositions of the different SC formulations are detailed in Table 1, the rheological
application to identify promising dispersants agents were added post milling. For Terbuthylazine SC, 10%w/w of RoundUp Flash Plus at 420
Solvay: New Dispersant Polymers for for pigment dispersions.

A high throughput robotic methodology
g/L, corresponding to 4.2%w/w of potassium glyphosate salt in the final formulation, were added
post milling and before the addition of the rheological agent. For each system, the Brookfield
the Design of Complex Suspension and

was used to prepare more than 2000 viscosity, particle size distributions, optical microscopy observations, suspensibility and dispersion
of organic & inorganic aqueous based characteristics were assessed initially and after storage at 45°C (3 months) or 54°C (2 weeks).
pigment dispersions, through pigment Particle size distributions were measured by laser diffraction and compared using the parameter
Flowable Concentrate Formulations powder distribution, polymer introduction

and bead milling step. “Demand curves”
with the monitoring of formulation
D50 corresponding to the particle diameter such as the cumulative undersized volume fraction
of particles is equal to 50 %. The suspensibility performances of the different dispersants were
evaluated with the CIPAC method MT184. The dispersion test is an in-house test developed
capillary viscosity versus polymer dosage, to quickly assess the performance of a dispersant system, it involves the preparation of 100
were derived at different polymer and mL of diluted suspension by 10 inversions of the measuring cylinder. After 2 hours at rest in
pigment loadings. Given the structural a thermostated bath at 30°C, the height of the sediment formed at the bottom of the graduated
similarities of organic pigments with some cylinder is assessed and expressed as a percentage, with an acceptance criteria to be below than 1%.
agrochemical active ingredients, the most
promising polymeric dispersants among
the 80 screened polymers were then
tested in challenging SCs formulations.
Two promising structures, Geropon HL4
Developing pesticide formulations with On this basis, the selection of the right and Geropon ION5, were identified in
a safer and more environmentally friendly wetting/dispersant system is critical to ensure comparison with Geropon DA1349, a robust
profile is one of the key challenges of the long-term stability of SC/FS formulations, and versatile dispersant but with some
agrochemical industry. In this context, without sedimentation and/or flocculation, limitations in presence of high electrolyte
Suspension Concentrates (SC) and Flowable as well as adequate dispersion characteristics concentration or for active ingredients
Concentrates for Seed treatment (FS) of the active(s) upon dilution for SC in order prone to crystal growth. Table 1. Detailed compositions of the SC formulations studied.
agrochemical formulations based on aqueous to avoid spray nozzle blocking and reduced In this article, studies on three different * Rhodasurf 860/P; ** Rheozan; *** Rhodopol 23
dispersions constitute a major asset. SC biological efficacy. Traditional dispersant active ingredients (Folpet, Metribuzin
Monique Adamy formulations ensure a high loading in active systems, based for example on the association and Terbuthylazine) will be presented to
Solvay Novecare Agricultural Specialties ingredients while reducing the exposition of acrylic comb polymer paired with a non- illustrate the versatility of the new Geropon
to chemical risks compared to solvent- ionic ethylene oxide (EO)/propylene oxide Figure 1 presents the dispersion and suspensibility performances of Geropon HL4 and Geropon
R&D Lab Manager, Europe grades. For Folpet formulation, the main
based formulations such as Emulsifiable (PO) block copolymer are sometimes not ION5 compared to the benchmark Geropon DA1349 in Folpet SC formulation for different polymer
challenge is the acidic conditions at
Concentrates (EC). For optimal efficacy effective enough solution especially for dose rates after 3 months of storage at 45°C. Superior dispersion performances are observed for the
storage, which could impact the dispersant
in alignment with market needs, such organic actives prone to crystal growth new dispersant grades compared to the commercial reference, especially at lower polymer dose rate.
performances. For the two polymers, a dose
formulations are more and more complex or combo system with high electrolyte At a dose rate of 14 g/L of active polymer, a dispersion value equals to 1.3% is measured for the
response versus an acrylic comb polymer
with high loading of active ingredients and/or concentration. Thus there is the need for commercial reference, whereas this parameter is inferior to 1% for both Geropon HL4 and Geropon
benchmark (Geropon DA1349) was
combo systems combining ingredients with robust, improved dispersant polymers with ION5. In addition, formulations with Geropon HL4 and Geropon ION5 displayed low viscosity after
performed to investigate polymer robustness
several modes of action, having different enhanced crystal-growth inhibition properties milling, as well as excellent storage stability characteristics, such as viscosity stability and no phase
towards dispersion. For Metribuzin, actual
physico-chemical characteristics: for which are highly effective at reduced dosage, separation after 3 months at 45°C.
commercial benchmarks exhibit poor
example, one active can be in the form of a and in parallel dispersant polymers that are performances to control crystal growth, thus
Suspensibility after 3 months at 45°C (%)

soluble salt and the other one, dispersed in tolerant to high ionic strength systems, for Geropon HL4 was tested in comparison a). b).
Dispersion after 3 months at 45°C (%)

an aqueous phase. Such elaborate systems example in presence of soluble active salts. with Geropon DA1349 to assess crystal-
Dispersion (%) Geropon HL4 Suspensibility (%)
present high challenges regarding long-term Solvay possesses a toolbox of radical growth inhibition properties. Finally, for
Clara Vernay Geropon ION5
stability and performances at dilution. In polymerisation technologies that affords Terbuthylazine active ingredient a combo Geropon DA1349
Solvay Novecare Agricultural
addition, strong stability issues are observed polymers of controlled architecture, 94
Specialties R&D Scientist formulation with the addition of Glyphosate 1.5
92
with organic actives that are prone to crystal composition and molecular weight. This potassium salt after milling was extensively 1 90
Geropon DA1349 88 Geropon ION5
growth via Ostwald ripening mechanism. In toolbox including the proprietary controlled studied. Geropon ION5 was positioned 0.5 86
Geropon ION5 Geropon HL4
this respect, designing modern formulations radical polymerisation technology MADIX 84
in comparison to Geropon DA1349 and 0 Geropon HL4 82
Geropon DA1349
which often combine two, three or more (Macromolecular Design by the Interchange 6 14 18.8 6 14 18.8
a commercial benchmark specifically
actives with various physico-chemical of Xanthates) was employed to synthesize promoted for combo formulation with high active polymer (g/L) active polymer (g/L)
characteristics can become a real challenge, a wide variety of polymeric dispersant electrolyte concentration.
with little formulation space for the candidates. A large screening of polymeric SC formulations were produced at Figure 1 a). Dispersion and b). suspensibility performances of Geropon HL4, Geropon ION5 and the
formulator. dispersants synthesized with MADIX the laboratory scale with a vertical bead commercial benchmark Geropon DA1349 in Folpet SC formulation after 3 months of storage at 45°C.
In Figure 2 are presented the of Geropon ION5 in comparison to Geropon actives tested. Geropon HL4 prevented
performances of Geropon HL4 compared DA1349 and a commercial graft copolymer crystal growth of challenging actives such
to Geropon DA1349 in Metribuzin SC especially promoted for application in high as metribuzin, enabling a sharp control on
formulation in terms of crystal growth
inhibition and suspensibility performances
initially and after 2 weeks of storage at 54°C.
ionic strength system (Benchmark 1). Initial
suspensibility and values measured after
two weeks of storage at 54°C are reported.
particle size distribution. In addition, in
comparison with the benchmark, a better
tolerance in the presence of water-soluble
Nouryon: Adjuvant for Fungicides
With Geropon DA1349, a large increase of
D50 parameters was observed after ageing
(+187% of relative increase), whereas the
The two commercial benchmarks had poor
performances with suspensibility values
inferior to 70%. In comparison, excellent
electrolytes such as salts of glyphosate was
obtained for Geropon ION5, enabling the
formulation of complex combos of high
Showing a Dual Action Mechanism
dispersant Geropon HL4 permits to control suspending performances are observed with ionic strength. The two polymers were also
the crystal growth with a limited relative Geropon ION5, highlighting the interest of successfully tested in various SC systems
increase of D50 parameter. This effect Geropon ION5 for such systems containing (with metazachlor, chlorothalonil...) and
is also clearly visible in the microscopy soluble active salts like glyphosate potassium. FS formulations (with imidacloprid and
pictures presented in Figure 2. A significant In addition, the characteristics and storage thiamethoxam) confirming their superior
decrease of suspensibility is also observed stability performance of the formulation with dispersion performance and high versatility.
with Geropon DA1349 after storage, Geropon ION5 were found to be excellent. In addition, the two dispersant grades present Resent research has shown that structure and typical properties can be seen in
whereas Geropon HL4 maintains excellent Geropon HL4 and Geropon ION5 were high solid content compared to benchmark, amidopropyl amine surfactants are excellent Figure 1. Our tests were performed at ICAR-
suspensibility performance. confirmed as very efficient dispersants, ranging from 40 to 45%wt, and represent adjuvants for fungicides. Traditionally, they National Center for grapes, Pune, India, and
Figure 3 summarizes the suspensibility interestingly, high loadings of actives at therefore perfect solutions for systems with are known as great adjuvants for aminoacids was done in a randomized block design using
performances in the combo formulation reduced dispersant polymer dosage can be very limited formulation space, with the need and phenoxies, however, to our knowledge four replications. The first spray was given
Terbuthylazine SC / Round Up Flash Plus achieved for a large range of phytosanitary to introduce low levels of dispersants. they haven’t been assessed as adjuvants at the onset of disease, which in this case as
for fungicides. Fungicides are known to powdery mildew. Subsequently 1-2 sprays
be hydrophobic and are often formulated were given at 5 to 7 day intervals depending
Dr. Peter Westbye as emulsifiable concentrates, suspension upon disease severity using a knapsack
R&D Manager at Nouryon concentrates and dry formulations. For the sprayer. The water volume used was 1000 l/ha
latter two formulation types it’s known that an with an adjuvant concentration of 0.1% and
adjuvant can improve efficacy substantially. with an active concentration of Azoxystrobin
So how does the amidopropyl amine adjuvant of 0.02 (v/v)%, Fluopyram + Tebuconazole
work for fungicides? To investigate this, we 0.56 (v/v)%, Metrofenone 0.2 (v/v)% and
employed a method called quartz crystal Dimethomorph (1g/l). The concentration of
microbalance (QCM-D). We came up with the formulations is shown in Figure 2. The
a hypothesis on the adjuvant mechanism that results were judged by the percent disease
explains the surprising field trial results. index (PDI) of powdery mildew on leaves
We performed field trials using several and bunches as and when disease appeared
Figure 2. Comparison of the performances of Geropon HL4 and the commercial benchmark Geropon DA1349 in Metribuzin SC adjuvants for comparison, among them were in the experimental plots. Other observation
formulation: a). microscopy images of the SC formulations, b). particle size distribution initially and after 2 weeks at 54°C, c). commercial benchmarks such as Silwet parameters like chlorosis, necrosis, wilting,
suspensibility performances initially and after 2 weeks at 54°C. Dr. Turgut Battal L-77 (organosilicone based) and Aspa-80 scorching, hyponasty and epinasty for
Global Technical Marketing Manager (NPE based). One novel amidopropyl amine phytotoxicity were taken after 1, 3, 5, 7, and
at Nouryon adjuvant used was called Adsee C80W and its 10 days after the first application only and no
Product Adjuvant Surface tension CMC value Contact angle

Chemistry
name function (mN/m) (g/litre) on parafilm (o)
ADSEE coco-amidopropyl Penetrant and

33 0.02 41
C80W dimethylamine compatibilizer
Figure 3. Suspensibility performances of Geropon ION5, Geropon DA1349 and a commercial benchmark in a
combo formulation Terbuthylazine SC / Round Up Flash Plus initially and after 2 weeks of storage at 54°C. Figure 1.The adjuvant Adsee C80W and typical surface chemistry properties.
such signs were observed. From the field trials we can clearly see To address the dearth of knowledge with regards to adjuvant mechanism, we It is possible to make the quartz crystal oscillate by applying an AC voltage (Figure Conclusion
that when Adsee C80W was applied, the percent disease index utilized the use of a nanoscale acoustic sensing technique, QCM-D, to further 3B). A change in mass of the quartz sensor will directly change the resonance frequency (a
(PCI) was at its lowest, indicating this to be the best performer probe the mechanistical actions of the adjuvants. The QCM-D method measures lowering in frequency means an increasing mass) and a change in dissipation will reflect Adsee C80W is novel adjuvant for fungicides.
in controlling powdery mildew on grapes. This was true for all both frequency and dissipation of a sensor surface comprising a quartz crystal the viscoelastic properties of the adhering layer (i.e. a higher dissipation means a softer The current study shows that Adsee C80W is the best
trials, regardless the type of formulation or AI used, and clearly covered with a gold electrode and treated with a model wax applied by spin adsorbed layer). The second technique used in this study is a Franz Cell technique which performer for controlling powdery mildew on grapes,
better than Aspa 80 and Silwet L-77, as shown in Figure 2. coating, which is the surface that interacts with the adjuvant (Figure 3A). measures the penetration from a donor cell through a membrane consisting of the upper the adjuvant shows increased efficacy for several
part of the leaf of a Clivia Minata, to an acceptor cell where cumulative concentration is active ingredients such as Azoxystrobin, Floupyram,
measured over time. Tebuconazole, Metrafenone and Dimethomorph. Based
a) b) So why is Adsee C80W such a great adjuvant for fungicides as proven in Figure 2? on the field trials and the complementary measurements
For fungicides, an optimal penetration is desired rather than a maximum penetration. Our using QCM-D and Franz Cell a hypothesis is presented
26,9
25 22,71
knowledge of fungi tells us that they enter the plant through the leaf surface under wet on the adjuvant mechanism. The adjuvant promotes
20 25,0 19,4
17,4 conditions. Depending on the type of fungus, growth stage and stem of the fungus it will uptake, which is important for systemic mode of action
Mean Percent
Mean Percent
Disease index
Disease index
15 15,5
8,92
15,0
13,2 12,0 distribute itself at different depth. That is everything between subcuticular to a vascular but at the same time it promotes the ability to form
10
6,01 5,93 5,93
5 3,01
8,2 level. With such knowledge, we propose a hypothesis that Adsee C80W distributes the a hydrogel on the surface, which is a property that
1,56 1,08
0 5,0 active ingredient optimally both for contact mode of action and systemic mode of action. promotes a contact mode of action. This dual action is
tr ol ant O ） E） ion
ic ric W o l ic te r ri c W
-E e
ote 80 ntr n ）） The basis for stating this is that the adjuvant has the properties to both form a hydrogel at what makes Adsee C80W the best performing adjuvant
c on juv ter on NP on ph eC o nio es PE ote co
ne 80
ad es lic dc No
te N ph ili
C
ted o , s i
80
（ N m s e
te ha ee
tre
a N os
p
an
o
sa
A Ad rea os
p
a8
0 （ Am no
s
Ad
s
the surface as shown by QCM-D (Figure 3) and to penetrate the wax as shown by Franz as shown in our field trial results.
Un Ph org t Ph s a
（ Ap Un Ap org
7 7（
L-
7
L-
7 cell results in figure 4, we see that the adjuvant Adsee C80W is able to penetrate the leaf,
et et
lw lw
Si Si to the acceptor cell. Reference:
c) d)
24,9 24,4 Richter RP, Rodenhausen KB, Eisle NB, Schubert M,.
25,0 20,8 25,0 1,4 (2018) Elipsometry of functional Organic surfaces and
19,2
17,7 17,9
Mean Percent
Mean Percent
20,0 20,0
Disease index
Disease index
16,3 16,1
14,2 13,5 films, 52, pp 391-417.
15,0 11,4 15,0 12,3 1,2
9,3 9,1
10,0 10,0
AIcumulative / µg cm-2
5,0 5,0 1
l ter l ter
tro nic E） es
ric
ne
） 0W tro nic s E） ric
ne
） 0W
co
n
on
io
NP te ote co C8 co
n
on
io ee NP ote co C8
ha ph ili ee at ph ili ee
ted N 0 （ s p m o s d s ted N
s ph 0 （ m o s d s
tr ea sa
8 o A an A tr ea o sa
8 A an A 0,8
Un Ph org Un Ph org
Ap Ap
7 7（ 7 7（
L- L-
et et
lw lw 0,6
Si Si
We are a global specialty chemicals leader.
Figure 2. Field Trials done in 4 repetitions using randomized block design for a) Azoxystrobin 250 g/L SC, b) Fluopyram + Markets worldwide rely on our essential chemistry
0,4
Tebuconazole (200+200) g/L SC, c) Metrafenone 50 g/L SC, d) Dimethomorph 50 g/L WP in the manufacture of everyday products such as
0,2 crop protection formulations, pharmaceuticals,
personal care items, paper, plastics and building
D 50
materials items. Building on our nearly 400-year
0
0 history, the dedication of our 10,000 employees,
A B 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Thickness [nm]
and our shared commitment to business growth,

-50 Time (h)
strong financial performance, safety, sustainability,
-100
Figure 4. Franz cell results showing the penetration rate (Y- cumulative amount in and innovation, we have established a world-class
-150 acceptor cell) of Tebuconazole through wax from the plant Clivia minata over time business and built strong partnerships with our
(x-axis) customers. We operate in over 80 countries around
C 0min 10min 20min 30min 40min 50min
Time the world and is a leading supplier of specialty
∝ e-πfDt 0
surfactants, polymers and solvents.
-10
18
16
Frequency shift(Hz)
Our agrochemical portfolio of industry-leading

Dissipation shift (ppm)
-20 14
12
-30 10
brands includes Morwets® (wetting agents and disp
1/f
-40
8 ersants), Adsee™ adjuvants, Agrilan® dispersants,
6
-50 4 Armid®solvents, Ethylan® and Ethomeen® (alcohol
2
-60 0 and amine alkoxylates). As a global company, with
0min 4min 8min 12min 16min 20min
2min 6min 10min 14min 18min local presence and a robust supply chain, we can
Time ensure support and delivery wherever you are.
Figure 5. Schematic picture on how the adjuvant works on a leaf surface, where A is
Every Day.
Figure 3. Showing the theory for QCM-D and the results. A) A QCM-crystal covered with gold; this surface is modified to create a model wax onto the the proposed mechanism for Adsee C80W and B the scenario for a traditional nonionic

surface. B) The QCM crystal from the side where the quartz material oscillates due to the current passing the crystal. C) How the results look like, the adjuvant where red symbolizes AI in its molecular form, thus active to interact with
www.nouryon.com/agriculture
frequency change says if something is absorbing or desorbing, the decay when current is shut off says something about the softness of the absorbed layer: the fungus. Blue symbolizes active ingredient in a precipitated form, thus less active agro@nouryon.com
slow decay-soft material, fast decay-hard material. D) The upper graph showing the difference in thickness change due to different adjuvants. The lower material.
picture shows the raw data of frequency and dissipation for Adsee C80W. (Figure 3A-C Richter et.al. 2018)
solution, SURFOM®8963 for high load glufosinate Glufosinate formulation using SURFOM®8963 can be mixed with other
Oxiteno: SURFOM®8963 — An
formulations at 420 g/L. This innovative solution is based on herbicides and micronutrients even in hard water without precipitation.
a synergistic combination of an amphoteric surfactant that acts This formulation was used for numerous bioefficacy tests in both
as an uptake enhancer and a hydrotrope that compatibilizes the greenhouse and field trials. Among weed species that jeopardize the main crops
Innovative Solution for High Load

high electrolyte content ensuring the formulation’s stability. in high producing countries like Brazil and the USA, we selected Digitaria
In the past decade Oxiteno has presented a surfactant insularis, Conyza canadensis, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Acalypha ostryifolia
composition for high load glyphosate formulations and, and Ambrosia artemisiifolia.
following from that surfactant we developed the solution for The greenhouse tests were performed using Oxiteno’s capabilities, which
Glufosinate Formulation glufosinate.

One challenge for increased loads, considering current
marketed formulations, is the high amount of surfactant,
includes a growth chamber and a single nozzle track sprayer, shown in Figure 1.
limiting the space to increase glufosinate amount.

SURFOM®8963 could not only increase the active ingredient
concentration but also lower surfactant load in the formulation.
Table 1 presents the loads for a 420 g/L glufosinate
formulation using the innovative SURFOM®8963 in which is
visible that the amount of surfactant is rather low.
Table 1. Suggestive glufosinate formulation using

SURFOM®8963
Component Load (wt%)
There is an expectation of significant growth in the world population in the years to Glufosinate-ammonium 35.2
come and, to be able to produce food for a massive population, new technologies and
improved weed management schemes are pivotal to ensure maximized yields. Oxiteno SURFOM®8963 25.2
solution not only enables new technologies in the field but also contributes to sustainable Figure 1. Generation III research sprayer used for bioefficacy tests at Oxiteno
Water q.s.
practices.
The most used herbicide for weed management has been the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-
3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitor, glyphosate. However, after the increase in the
These greenhouse tests were performed with five replicates against two
number of existing glyphosate-resistant weeds, glufosinate has become a key tool in the SURFOM®8963 is a very low viscosity liquid that presents weed species spraying the high load formulation prepared with SURFOM®8963
Rafael Augusto Alves Ferreira, PhD weed control. Besides being effective in the management of glyphosate-resistant weeds, good stability following CIPAC’s guidelines and even further (420 g/L) and a Brazilian, standard load, benchmark formulation (200 g/L),
R&D Researcher for Crop Solutions glufosinate can also control acetolactate synthase (ALS) and triazine-resistant weeds. considering longer periods at elevated temperature, as presented both at half label AI equivalent dose in order to compare the results, presented
in Oxiteno Glufosinate is, then, a broad-spectrum contact herbicide with some systemic action used to in Table 2. The solution is still liquid at negative temperatures in Figure 2.
control grass and broad-leaf weeds. and presents excellent antifoaming properties.
Currently, glufosinate formulations are sold under various brand names by several
companies. The herbicide usage has been growing fast in the past years and today its usage
Table 2. Physicochemical and stability data for SURFOM®8963
represents more than 32M ha. It’s estimated to reach $992 m. in market value in 2023 and
its growth is due to a number of reasons, such as the above-mentioned resistant weeds,
Parameter Result
but also due to the existing seed technologies developed to be resistant to glufosinate, the
emerging resistance to other herbicides such as auxins (dicamba and 2,4-D, for example) Viscosity (cP) 21
and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors. These reasons, along with ban on
paraquat also support the estimated continuous increase in use of glufosinate in the next Persistent foaming (mm) <1
years.
Usually, formulations comprising glufosinate-ammonium are marketed at up to Freezing point (°C) <-20
Vinícius de Castro Celestrin
280 g/L of active ingredient as soluble liquids (SL) and contain anionic alkyl ether
Field Marketing for Crop Appearance after 7 days at 0°C Clear
surfactants. Increasing the active ingredient load is a strategy to improve efficiency of
Solutions in Oxiteno
packaging and transport while minimizing exposure to the pesticide, as the end user must Appearance after 14 days at 54°C Clear Figure 2. Results obtained from greenhouse trials for a benchmark formulation
handle lower amounts of formulation to achieve a specified coverage area.
and Oxiteno's solution for high load glufosinate formulation (SURFOM®8963)
To help in the improvement of herbicides market, Oxiteno has developed a novel Appearance after 3 months at 54°C Clear
at half recommended dose.
From greenhouse study it is evident that SURFOM®8963 delivers same Field trial results were analyzed using a Fischer’s
control as the currently marketed formulations (standard load) since the results projected LSD at α=0.05 and confirmed that Oxiteno’s high
Ingevity: Bio-based Oil for Biological and

were not significantly different by the Tukey test at 95% confidence. load glufosinate formulation delivers same level of control as
Field trial was performed at Mississippi State University using a backpack the benchmarks when used at equivalent AI concentration.
sprayer and each tested plot measuring 3 by 12 m, presenting uniform population The amphoteric surfactant present in SURFOM®8963
of weeds. We tested Oxiteno’s formulation using SURFOM®8963 (420 g/L) and a
benchmark commonly found in the US market (280 g/L), all at full recommended
is patented by Oxiteno (US10779530B2) and the
synergistic combination with a hydrotrope, that makes Conventional Pesticide Formulations
dose (AI equivalent). The plots were rated at five different times and the reading SURFOM®8963 capable of compatibilizing the high
at 21 days after application is shown in Figure 3. electrolyte load is published in a continuation in part patent
(US20200404923A1).
In conclusion, SURFOM®8963 is a very low viscosity
and low foaming product, delivers effective control of The world’s continuously growing population, along with a decreasing amount of arable
glyphosate, ALS and triazine-resistant weeds and is land and scarce water resources, are driving regulators to impose more stringent environmental
compatible with other herbicides and micronutrients in the mandates1. As a result, formulators must also continue to innovate and develop high-performing
tank mix. The considerable increase in glufosinate load pesticide products that lessen overall impact on the environment. This increasingly challenging
allows the end user to handle lower volumes of formulation landscape requires chemical suppliers to provide sustainable solutions to formulators that support
to control the weeds, reduces the amount of plastic spent in their demanding formulation needs.
packages and also optimizes the transportation because less Oil-based suspension formulations, known as oil dispersions (ODs), are commonly used for
volume of formulation is required to be transported meaning water-sensitive active ingredients and require specific products with unique properties that aim
less fuel is spent and lower carbon is emitted, supporting Guigui Wan to ensure long-term stability for pesticide applications. An OD formulation consists of active
sustainability, a very important pillar for Oxiteno. Technical Team Lead, ingredient particles suspended in an oil medium with the aid of a dispersant and rheology modifier.
Agrochemicals at Ingevity The built-in emulsifier is used to emulsify the oil into emulsion droplets once the formulation is
Figure 3. Results obtained from field trials for a benchmark formulation and
diluted in water.
Oxiteno's solution for high load glufosinate formulation (SURFOM®8963) at full
To solve the obstacles OD formulations present, such as formulation instability, pine-based
recommended dose.
chemistry provider Ingevity developed AltaOil™, a portfolio of oil products that provide enhanced
long-term stability and built-in adjuvancy. Compared to alternative commonly used oils such
as vegetable oil and methylated vegetable oil, Ingevity’s AltaOil products provide excellent
formulation stability, hard water stability and built-in rainfastness. AltaOil has strong compatibility
with a range of solvents and surfactants, offering greater flexibility for different formulation needs.
Enhancing formulation stability with AltaOil
Although achieving OD formulation stability can be challenging, selecting the appropriate

Qi Wang
oil medium is vital since it is the heaviest component in the formulation. Additionally, choosing
Lead Development Chemist
proper dispersants and rheology modifiers will contribute to overall long-term stability. Compared
at Ingevity
to commonly used oils derived from soybean and methylate, AltaOil provides better formulation
stability due to its unique product composition and chemistry (see Table 1).
Table 1. Basic properties of Ingevity’s AltaOil product line compared to commonly used oils.
1. Phillips McDougall. (2018). Evolution of the Crop Protection Industry since 1960. https://croplife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Phillips-McDougall-
Evolution-of-the-Crop-Protection-Industry-since-1960-FINAL.pdf.

Both AltaOil grades have similar viscosity and density compared to

Table 5. Bacillus spp. OD formulation recipe with AltaOil 1105 or Achieve additional rainfastness adjuvancy with AltaOil
alternative oils, making them easier to handle in strenuous formulations.
soybean oil
AltaOil has a lower pour point than soybean oil and methylated soybean
Besides providing excellent formulation stability, OD formulations
oil, which is advantageous for use in colder environments. The high
containing AltaOil offer additional rainfastness benefits. For two Bacillus
flash point of AltaOil also makes it safe to handle during transportation
spp. OD formulations using AltaOil or soybean oil as the only oil
and production. AltaOil’s relatively high acid number comes from the
medium, 1% emulsion was prepared by diluting the OD formulations
product’s inherent pine chemistry composition. Although a high flash
using DI water. After depositing a 200ul diluted formulation onto
point can be challenging with certain actives, AltaOil showed no major
parafilm and 24 hours air drying, the dry film covered area was marked
issues with AI degradation when combined with nicosulfuron, with
Figure 1. Mancozeb OD (10%) formulations with AltaOil 1120 using a black marker (shown in Figure 7). Both formulations yielded
which formulation is notoriously difficult.
(Formulation 1) and vegetable oil (Formulation 2), after being stored at similar coverage area. After simulated rain (dipping into water for 10
Ingevity’s AltaOil product grades are designed for different
room temperature (RT) or 54 ℃ (HT) for 2 weeks. times), the covered area for soybean oil-based OD formulation shrunk
formulations based on their performance properties. For example,
to the center (as in the green marked area) while the AltaOil-based OD
AltaOil 1105 is ideal for use in biological OD formulations due to
formulation didn’t show significant decrease in coverage area. This
its low toxicity, and both AltaOil 1105 and AltaOil 1120 can excel in Both mancozeb OD Formulation 1 and Formulation 2 were subjected experiment highlights AltaOil’s additional rainfastness and adjuvancy
conventional OD formulations. to room temperature (20℃ ) and 54℃ storage test for two weeks. properties in stable OD formulations.
Following storage, Formulation 2 including vegetable oil had a much
Compatibility with various surfactants greater oil syneresis layer than Formulation 1, indicating formulation After formulation preparation, the above samples were subjected to
instability. 45 ℃ storage for two weeks. Upon completion, the three formulations
AltaOil has great compatibility with various surfactants of different Nicosulfuron is another active ingredient commonly formulated into all developed oil syneresis layers, seen in Figure 2 (left). However,
chemistries, offering flexibility for formulations, shown in Table 2. OD. A 7.5% nicosulfuron OD was successfully prepared using AltaOil the formulation including soybean oil (Formulation C) had the largest
Compared to all four tested surfactants, AltaOil is compatible with all, 1120 with detailed recipe shown in Table 4. oil layer separation, indicating formulation instability. When the
while soybean oil is only miscible with one. formulations were reverted by 180 degrees, the formulations with AltaOil
(Formulation A and B) flow to the other side of the vial with no issues. In
Table 2. Surfactant compatibility of AltaOil and soybean oil Table 4. Nicosulfuron OD (7.5%) formulation recipe
contrast, Formulation C including soybean oil did not flow well.
Figure 3. Bacillus spp. OD pesticide film formation on parafilm substrate

before simulated rain (black mark) and after simulated rain (green mark)
for both AltaOil- and soybean oil-based formulations
The use of AltaOil in mancozeb and nicosulfuron OD Achieve high-performing formulations with Ingevity’s
sustainable oil technology
Mancozeb OD is formulated using AltaOil 1120 (Formulation 1) or
Ingevity’s newest product, AltaOil, offers increased flexibility to
vegetable oil (Formulation 2). The detailed recipe is shown in Table 3.
The above formulation is highly stable under various storage formulators for oil-based formulations. With plant-based origins, AltaOil
After 45℃ /2 weeks After 45℃ /2 weeks storage
conditions and blooms well in water. Nicosulfuron is known to hydrolyze has 100% bio-derived green content and is fully biodegradable. AltaOil
storage and recert the vials
easily when exposed in a medium with an active proton. AltaOil has acid can replace synthetic oils, vegetable oil or methylated vegetable oil with
Table 3. Mancozeb OD (10%) formulation recipe with AltaOil
functionality, which could cause significant degradation for nicosulfuron Figure 2. Bacillus spp. OD formulations appearance after being stored at increased performance while helping formulators simultaneously achieve
(Formulation 1) or soybean oil (Formulation 2)
(>5%). The above formulation was subjected to freeze-thaw and 54 ℃ 45 ℃ for two weeks. sustainability goals. AltaOil is also fully approved for agricultural uses in
for two weeks of storage, and the degradation was 1.6% and 3.6%, which North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific countries with
is well within the acceptable level of nearly 5%. Once diluted into 1% tolerance exemption.
using deionized (DI) water, the resulting emulsion/suspension had an When the above three formulations were diluted into 1% emulsion
emulsion droplet/particle size of 3.7um at D50, resulting in a very stable with DI water, both Formulation A and Formulation B had a emulsion/
and homogeneous diluted emulsion/suspension. particle size ~5um at D50 and ~20um at D90, while the Formulation
C had an emulsion/particle size ~9um at D50 and ~50um at D90. With
The use of AltaOil in Bacillus spp. OD smaller emulsion/particle size for diluted Formulation A and B, AltaOil
proved to have much higher formulation stability than soybean oil.
AltaOil 1105 is safe with various spore forming microorganisms,
including bacteria and fungi. When AltaOil 1105 was used in Bacillus
*Oil: AltaOil 1120 (Formulation 1) or vegetable oil (Formulation 2) spp. OD, we compared it to soybean oil, shown below in Table 5.
challenging objectives. From naturally derived glyphosate/ha and 0.96% w/w AMS, to assess the improved biological efficacy Atplus DRT-
additives for improved formulation stability to novel EPS can provide. The results show the percentage of injury 21 days after treatment (DAT)
Croda: Spray Quality Control – A adjuvants for optimum delivery, sustainability is at the
heart of the Croda business. With industry-leading
with Atplus DRT-EPS indicating improved efficacy over the baseline spray as well as the
standard NIS and at half the use rate of the high surfactant methylated seed oil (HSMSO).
Sustainability Case Study

technologies including 100% bio-based surfactants,
wetting aids, penetration enhancers and spray quality
enhancement agents, this enables formulators and
growers to take a more environmentally sensitive
approach to achieving the best yields for their crops.
Performance data of Atplus DRT-EPS
With an ever-increasing demand for enhanced adjuvancy performance without an Product design features
affordable, high quality food production to adverse effect on spray quality. Whilst many
feed a growing population, farmers are under surfactants reduce spray droplet size, resulting • Readily disperses in tank mix – no additional
increasing pressure to deliver a plentiful in an increase in driftable fine particles or products required
supply of safe, nutritious products to meet ‘fines’, Atplus DRT-EPS produces a narrower • At least 65% of the material is coming from
these rising expectations. At the same time, spray distribution pattern with fewer driftable renewable chemistry
increasing awareness of environmental fines, enabling more targeted droplet delivery • Mild surfactant
issues, regulatory constraints and consumer across a range of nozzle types and spray • Replacement for conventional NIS with Figure 1. Biological data for greenhouse trial of SelectMax1 clethodim (51 g/ha) +
Neil Stainton concerns regarding modern farming pressures. improved spray quality control Touchdown2 Hi-Tech glyphosate (603 g ae/ha) + 0.96% w/w AMS on corn
Market Insights Manager at Croda practices and pesticide use are encouraging As a multi-functional adjuvant with
Email: neil.stainton@croda.com the industry to seek innovative solutions to strong sustainability credentials, Atplus DRT- Product information
To demonstrate how Atplus DRT-EPS can control droplet size, it was tested at various
improve productivity, biodiversity, safeguard EPS is part of the growing Croda Elevated
use levels in a 1% w/w ae glyphosate and 2.5% ammonium sulfate (AMS) solution (Figure 2,
soil health and maintain the longer-term Bio-based Content (EBC) range, containing
Property Description no adjuvant). The glyphosate solution increased the percentage of driftable fine droplets in
stewardship of the natural environment. a high proportion of renewable, plant-based
comparison to water but was reduced by the addition of Atplus DRT-EPS.
Whilst agricultural crop spraying is material, enabling formulators and farmers Appearance
Pale yellow liquid
a well-established and effective means to reduce their overall carbon footprint. It (physical form at 25°C)
of pesticide delivery, in recent years this delivers enhanced formulation performance
Chemical description Non-ionic surfactant blend
has come under increased scrutiny, with with less product waste in addition to a
concerns having been expressed regarding reduction in spray drift and a lower risk of Application Spray adjuvant
off-target spray drift and its role in damage damage to surrounding habitats, providing
to susceptible non-target crops, the impact both economic and environmental benefits. REACH status Compliant
on human health (both agricultural workers Atplus DRT-EPS is the most recent
EPA status EPA 40 CFR §180.910
and resident populations) and environmental addition to a list of 15 OMRI Listed products
damage to wildlife, including surrounding and part of a growing family of over 100 inert
Use rate 0.25-0.5% v/v at tank-side
vegetation, beneficial insects and birds. ingredients in the Croda portfolio suitable for
At Croda, the industry-leading provider use in certified organic food production in
of sustainable crop protection additives and accordance with the USDA National Organic Efficacy and spray performance
adjuvants*, we have identified an unmet Program (NOP). In developing this range,
need to improve spray quality and manage we recognise the rising consumer demand The information presented in Figure 1 and 2 is a
drift control at the same time as ensuring and commercial interest in organic food snapshot of the data that supports the claim that Atplus
effective active ingredient delivery to the production, respecting the need to preserve DRT-EPS can provide improved biological efficacy
target site. Working with our customers, we biological diversity and the responsible use of and control spray drift. We conducted greenhouse Figure 2. Volume of driftable fine droplets (%<105 µm) generated from spraying water, a 1%
have developed Atplus™ DRT-EPS, a novel natural resources. trials on corn using a baseline spray application w/w ae glyphosate and 2.5% AMS solution, and the inclusion of Atplus DRT-EPS at various
tank mix adjuvant product that combines the As part of Croda’s commitment to (Figure 1, no adjuvant) of 51 g clethodim/ha, 603 g ae levels using a TJ8002 flat fan nozzle at 40 psi
benefits of improved spray retention, wetting be Climate, Land and People Positive by
and spreading with enhanced spray quality 2030, this is just one example of how we
control in a single product. This has been are contributing to our stated sustainability
shown to be effective in combination with a goals of increasing agricultural crop yields * Two recent accolades that accurately justify Croda’s leadership position to be the most sustainable supplier of innovative ingredients are the EcoVadis
wide range of formulation types and active and global food security whilst reducing Platinum medal which places Croda in the top 1% of all companies in all industries and ranked 1st in Barron’s recently published rankings for 2020
ingredients. One of the outstanding features overall environmental impact. Our extensive (therefore judged to be The Most Sustainable non-U.S. Company).
of the product is that, unlike typical nonionic range of high-performance products enable 1 Trademark of Valent
surfactants (NIS), Atplus DRT-EPS provides formulators to accomplish even the most 2 Trademark of Syngenta
Compatibility Table 1. Physical-chemical properties and Hansen parameters of water-soluble solvents
BASF: Next Generation Polar Solvent for Agnique® AMD 3 L is fully compatible up to
50 % w/w with commonly used solvents such as
Agnique® AMD 3 L NMP DMAc DMF
Agrochemical Formulations cyclohexanone, solvent naphtha 150 and 200 ND,

benzyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl lactate, N,Ndimethyl
octanamide and decanamide, octanol, dimethyl
Water-soluble lactamide Agnique® AMD 3 L as powerful, label-free solvent sulfoxide (DMSO), and also with methylated m.p. / b.p. [°C] -601 / 223 -23 / 204 -20 / 165 -61 / 152
seed oils (e.g. alkyl chain lengths from C6 to flash point [°C] 103 91 63 58
C18, saturated and unsaturated components such vapor pressure 20°C
< 0.1 0.32 3.30 3.56
as in methyl soyate). Incompatibility and phase [hPa]
separation have only been observed upon mixing H226, H312,
H315, H319, H312, H319,
H phrases (none) H332, H319,
with vegetable oils. H335, H360D H332, H360D
H360D
Dispersion
18.4 18.0 16.8 17.4
Phytotoxicity dd [MPa1/2]
Polar
12.9 12.3 11.5 13.7
Agnique® AMD 3 L is fully selective (i.e. dp [MPa1/2]
no signs of phytotoxicity) and can therefore be Hydrogen bonding
15.9 7.2 10.2 11.3
dh [MPa1/2]
regarded to be completely non-phytotoxic (see
Table 3). Log P (octanol/water) -0.94 -0.40 -0.77 -1.04
1 pour point
Furthermore, the non-phytotoxic nature of
Co-authored by Ingo Fleute-Schlachter, Adam Blanazs, Natalia Shabelina, BASF, Germany
Agnique® AMD 3 L has enabled its incorporation
Corresponding author: ingo.fleute-schlachter@basf.com Table 2. Experimental solubilities of active ingredients in Agnique® AMD 3 L
into a commercial DC fungicide formulation for
compared to NMP
grape treatment for over half a decade.
Solubility [%]
Active ingredients
Sustainability / conclusion Agnique® AMD 3 L NMP
Epoxiconazole 16.7 20.4
Introduction profile being a readily biodegradable and partially bio-based solution. Agnique® AMD 3 L fulfils highest sustainability
Agnique® AMD 3 L is based on sustainably sourced lactic acid obtained standards: Tebuconazole 35.0 48.0
It is increasingly challenging for agricultural formulators to from a fermentation. Agnique® AMD 3 L is used in several technical 1. Over 70 % of raw materials are based on Metconazole 34.0 58.7
meet the various requirements for crop protection formulations that applications, including agrochemical formulations. renewable resources. The lactic acid precursor is
Prothioconazole 53.5 51.8
they are facing. Whether in terms of regulatory, toxicity, availability, generated via fermentation, and thus there is no
sustainability, physical-chemical properties, selectivity, performance, or Physical-chemical properties of water-soluble solvents competition with food. Azoxystrobin 18.9 42.4
price. Therefore, the appropriate selection of solvents becomes of great 2. Readily bio-degradable (according to OECD Pyraclostrobin 44.0 66.0
importance for the development of formulations such as self-emulsifiable As shown in Table 1, the polarity (dp) and dispersion (dd) Hansen 301 B).
Oxyfluorfen 23.0 52.9
concentrates (EC), oil-in-water emulsions (EW), suspo-emulsions (SE), parameters of Agnique® AMD 3 L are similar to NMP, DMF and 3. Label-free according GHS criteria. It has
dispersible concentrates (DC), and soluble liquids (SL). For hydrophobic DMAc. However, the secondary hydroxyl group in Agnique® AMD 3 L been intensively tested in diverse tox studies and Imidacloprid 12.0 28.9
solvents (water solubility < 0.5 % w/w), a new generation of products significantly increases the corresponding hydrogen bonding Hansen does not bear any labelling. Novaluron 22.0 47.0
based on natural resources such as fatty acid amides, e.g. BASF’s parameter (dh). Although there is no scientific evidence, this property may 4. Favourable physical properties, such as high
Agnique® AMD range, and esters, e.g. Agnique® AE and ME range, lead to the improved toxicology profile, by enabling rapid metabolization boiling flash points and a very low melting point, Table 3. Greenhouse trial: soybean, solvent application rate 200L/ha, application
significantly expanded the formulator’s choices. However, there is still within the body. As expected for fully water miscible solvents, the log P enable simple handling for formulation production concentration 1 % w/w
a need for sustainable, powerful, hydrophilic solvents with an aqueous for all solvents is negative. and safe application.
solubility > 10 % w/w. As shown in Table 2, Agnique® AMD 3 L may not enable direct 5. Proven suitability in EC and DC Agnique® AMD 3 L Reference
Widely used, highly polar, water-soluble solvents such as substitution of NMP for common active ingredients in all cases, but it can formulations.
Plant damage after 14 days Plant damage after 14 days
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) and be considered as a suitable alternative due to its high solvency power. As While the portfolio of classical solvents for 0% 60-80%
tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) are considered to be substances of expected, solubility is driven by the active ingredient structure, and even formulation chemists has diminished, a safer
very high concern (SVHC) because of their reproductive toxicity cat.1B. within chemical classes (e.g. azoles), each individual active solvency alternative with a distinct performance profile has
They are included in the EU list of undesired co-formulants.ⅰ Other must be tested. been developed. This enables Agnique® AMD 3 L
potential alternative solvents such as N,N-dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) Due to the inherently strong solubilizing power and label-free to be used as drop in equivalent to less desirable
hardly meet the criteria of the developmental toxicity / teratogenicity properties, Agnique® AMD 3 L can also be used as cleaning agent solvents such as NMP in selected formulations,
reprotoxic 1B labelling. of agrochemical spray tanks. Meanwhile, other applications like enabling the development of sustainable
In contrast, BASF’s Agnique® AMD 3 L (N,N-dimethyl lactamide) ultrafiltration membrane production, paint removal, or polyurethane formulations.
can be regarded as a safe, highly-polar, water-soluble and label-free (from vessel cleaning have been identified where Agnique® AMD 3 L can
GHS profile) alternative. The solvent shows an excellent sustainability replace NMP.
ⅰ https://op.europa.eu/de/publication-detail/-/publication/ee508b74-37ac-11ea-ba6e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
Microplastic Free Seed Energy Saving
rea
nic T tme
Treatments Next to the improved seed health, also a large amount of costly and
ga precious energy can be saved by using our seed treatments. Firstly
nt
for the seed coatings, milling time or machining time is reduced
Or
Seedcoat Liquids
s
because drying after application is not needed anymore. Secondly, the
drying process of pelleted and encrusted seeds is approximately four
!
Micr
not based on bio- or synthetic polymers. Our Film coat liquids consists
a ll y
of ingredients that are all 100% organic and 100% biodegradable times faster when using our Circumeo Powders and Fixum binders.
la
ur
at
op
within 12 months, this is well within the 48 months set as the maximum Because of these characteristics a lot of time and energy can be saved.
stic
fre e, n by the ECHA. Our approach enables the rheopectic behavior of our All our seed treatment products are designed in such a way that the
seed industry will be ready for the future, which demands sustainable
products of top-notch quality, so that food safety can be secured
without contaminating the environment. For this reason all products
produced by us are microplastic free and 100% organic, not because
we are obliged to do so due to new regulations and laws, but because
No drying is needed after application
it’s better for the health of your precious products , the seeds,
Total processing time of max. 90 seconds per batch* the crops that grow from the seeds, and for the condition of the
environment wherein your seeds grow.
NextGen Seed Treatments Table 1: Based on batch sizes up to 20 KG
Can also be used in organic farming

Oh, by the Way, We Just Turned a
New Leaf!
Microplastic Free and Energy Saving by Very economical in use
We would be honoured if you took a look at our new brand identity on
www.ad-terram.nl !
Crop Total processing time Drying time as our other products; Biostimulants which of course also are;
In recent years the industry has become more aware of the effects
that the use of microplastics in seed treatments have on the Why Biodegradable or Bio Based
Microplastic Free, Naturally!
Polymers Will Not Tackle the
Cucumber 85 sec 0 sec
environment, the seeds, the plants and human health. It has even
been identified as a global threat and in Europe the ECHA (European Onion 75 sec 0 sec Do you want to know more? We are here to help you. Feel free to reach
Chemical Agency) is preparing restrictions on seed coat liquids Problem Tomato 90 sec 0 sec out via phone or e-mail and we will get back to you.
containing microplastics which is planned to go into force July
Corn 30 sec 0 sec
2021. On a yearly base this restriction will prevent, already only in Lately there has been a lot of talk about biodegradable polymers or E-mail us at info@ad-terram.nl
Europe, 500.000 kilograms 1 of microplastics to be directly sown bio based polymers to replace microplastics in seed treatments. In Rice 50 sec 0 sec Or give us a call at: (+31)228 593813
into our soils, contaminating our environment and threatening our the new regulations it is stated that the time for biodegradability Wheat 45 sec 0 sec
wellbeing. to hydrocarbon level is maximum 48 months (ECHA), most of these
polymers do have a much longer biodegradability time (up to 200 Table 1: Based on batch sizes up to 20KG
years!). Therefore, using these types of bio polymers does not solve
Effect of Microplastics on the problems that come with left behind fragments of seed coating
after germination of the treated seeds. These fragments contain
Germination relatively high concentrations of to the seedcoat added treatment
Pelleting, Encrusting Powders and Binders
products such as insecticides. Because of the long biodegradability Our Fixum binders and Circumeo pelleting and encrusting powders are
The biggest issue with microplastics is that these are not visible with time of biodegradable or bio based polymers in the seed coatings, all of course microplastic free and can also be used in organic farming.
the naked eye, even under a microscope microplastics can be hard these fragments create spikes in e.g. left behind insecticide residues Our Fixum binders are fast drying in combination with our Circumeo
to detect. Recent studies have shown us that these plastic particles in the soil, which eventually get caught by the wind and so threatening powders. For example a batch of onion pellets (two million pellets)
can even enter into plant cells and by doing so reducing the growth biodiversity in soil and air 3. This is one of the reasons why our seed takes approximately 20 minutes to dry without using heated air, saving
of root length and biomass ratio 2. Furthermore, microplastics can coat liquids are not based on microplastics, biodegradable or bio a lot of energy while creating a pellet with extreme low dust, good
create a physical blockage of the pores in the seed capsule resulting based polymers. friability and homogenic hardness of the pellets.
in damaged root and shoot growth. Also due to the accumulation of Also with encrusting using our Fixum binders in combination our
the microplastics close to the root hairs it inhibits the root hairs its Circumeo powders results in a fast drying process. For example a
imbibition of water and nutrients from the soil 3. batch of 9 million seeds encrusted till 100% of the seeds weight
takes approximately 3 minutes to dry, without heated air. These
characteristics of our products result in homogenic and fast
1. European Chemical Agency 2020, Opinion on the Annex XV dossier proposing restrictions on intentionally added microplastics. 2. Sander van Weert, Paula E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, Noël J. Diepens, Albert A. Koelmans, Effects of nanoplastics and SCAN ME
microplastics on the growth of sediment-rooted macrophytes, Science of The Total Environment, Volume 654, 2019, Wageningen University & Research 3. Y.S.K. De Silva1,2, U.M. Rajagopalan3 , H. Kadono1 2021, Microplastics on the growth of plants
and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems 4. Degradation of microplastic seed film-coating fragments in soil Cesare Accinelli a, * , Hamed K. Abbas b , W. Thomas Shier c , Alberto Vicari a , Nathan S. Little d , Maria Rosaria Aloise a ,
Sara Giacomini a a Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy b USDA-ARS, Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, Stoneville, MS, 38776, USA c Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA d USDA-ARS, Southern Insect Management Research Unit, Stoneville, MS, 38776, USA)
if you wished a truly global product then you would exclude them be water dispersible types such as Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC),
completely. Water Dispersible Granule (WG) and Suspension Concentrate (SC)
As we discussed in last year’s article, the demise of EC formulations formulations. These types are common in most regions, but for herbicides
has been long predicted, but there are few signs of this actually taking and fungicides used in rice cultivation in Asia the most common
place. Although a relatively simple formulation, the choice of emulsifier formulation type is probably the Granule (GR) for dry application – these
is often a challenge for the formulator, and the exclusion of NPEs can can be added directly to rice paddies without the use of a spray tank.
present a challenge. As part a well-designed formulation development Another application increasing in interest and popularity is the
plan, the formulator needs to understand and characterise the properties use of UAV (drones) to spray crops. Again, there is a regional factor
of the key co-formulants (in this case the emulsifier and the oil/solvent) here, with much early interest coming from Asia. This application
and use techniques to choose them in a systematic way. Examples of method offers potential advantages in terms of improved precision,
techniques which can help include: higher efficiency and a lower environmental impact. However, for the
Formulation Challenges • Matching the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) of the

emulsifier to the required HLB of the oil – this is a relatively simple “rule
of thumb” technique;
formulator, application by drone creates a challenge because weight limit
of the vehicle will restrict the tank volume. The formulator may have to
consider options such as formulations that contain adjuvants as well as
in a Global Environment • Using HLD-NAC (hydrophilic-lipophilic difference – net average

curvature) theory which is a more scientifically-based and wide-ranging
being highly concentrated or even water-free (e.g., oil-based).
An important regional factor which we have already alluded to is that
method than HLB but does require more work and more knowledge of of regulatory approvals. One relevant development has been the recent
the co-formulants used; publication of the EU’s “negative list” for co-formulants used in plant
• Using Hansen Solubility Parameter methodology (HSP) to help protection products (EU Commission Regulation 2021/383 ⅲ ) which
choose solvents (or oils) or mixtures of solvents which will be suitable was issued in March 2021. This covers use both as
for the active ingredient. co-formulants and as tank adjuvants and is focused on eliminating
Returning to the design process, it is important to establish via ingredients that are:
experimentation what the critical quality attributes (i.e., the most • carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR);
important measures of performance or quality) of the formulation are, as • persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT);
well as the critical properties of the raw materials which establish these. • very persistent and very bio-accumulative (vPvB);
A full understanding of the impact of processing conditions should not • endocrine disruptors;
be dismissed, for example the rate of addition of various ingredients and • persistent organic pollutants (POP).
how long a product needs to be processed to establish a homogeneous Over 140 co-formulants are included in Annex III of this Regulation
formulation. The use of good statistical experimental design techniques and must be phased out by March 2023. They include:
Whilst the world has been struggling to cope with a global pandemic, the agrochemical formulator can be a valuable tool in establishing the relationship between the large • Common solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF),
has still been grappling with familiar problems related to the holy grail of the product suitable for the number of variables that can be deemed critical ⅴ . tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, 2-ethoxyethanol and 2-methoxyethanol;
global market. The formulator has to consider a range of regional differences relating to, for instance: A well-designed formulation development process will also take • Adjuvants such as tallow amine ethoxylates;
• different pests into account as comprehensively as possible how, where and when the • Certain hydrocarbon solvents (e.g., naphthenic or paraffinic
• different crops product will be used. These factors are often connected. The application distillates or heavy and light naphtha fractions) with ≥ 3% of specific
• different agrochemical practices process has a big influence over the choice of formulation type, and this impurities;
• the thorny issues of pricing and competitors and can vary considerably between regions and crop type. If the application • Heavy or light naphtha containing ≥ 0.1% benzene;
• the overarching issue of different regulations. is via spray tank, then your main candidate formulation types will • Nonylphenols and ethoxylated nonylphenols (as mentioned
Dr David Calvert In this article we will discuss difficulties relating to some of these factors. However, we first
Director and Co-founder at wanted to outline how the use of a structured design process can help the formulator to consider
iFormulate Limited, UK and address these issues. We have looked at the Quality by Design (QbD) approach used in the
pharmaceutical industry and simplified it to make it more appropriate to applications such as
agrochemical formulation development. We call this process “Design for Formulation” ⅰ .
In this multifunctional approach, the initial stage is to determine exactly the “Customer Promise”
i.e., what the customer expects and, critically, what the company promises to deliver with the new
product. From this promise follow the business brief and the technical brief. In each of these, there
can be specifics relating to different regions and their requirements. As long as these specifics are
considered, defined and reviewed as the product development process continues, then the chances of
commercial success at the end of the process are considerably increased.
As an example, if you were developing an Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulation for Europe,
you would exclude the use of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) as emulsifiers. These are excluded above
0.1% by weight in EU REACH Annex XVII for new products ⅱ and will be completely phased out as
Dr Jim Bullock co-formulants by March 2023 ⅲ . If the product was destined for the US market, then they can still be
Director and Co-founder at considered although you would need to ask the EPA to carry out a review as this would be classed as
iFormulate Limited, UK a “Significant New Use Rule” ⅳ . You could still consider the use of NPEs in other regions although
above, in the past the latter have been commonly used as surfactants in
agrochemical formulations;
• What standard formulation performance tests will need to be
passed?
COMPANY DIRECTORY
• Octylphenols and ethoxylated octylphenols. • What performance claims are desirable in order to market the
Apart from those factors discussed above, there are many further product successfully?
questions that the formulator needs to address as part of the design • What are the attributes of the main competing products?
process, preferably at an early stage. These include: • What equipment is available for manufacturing the formulation, or
INDEX：A – Z
• What is the (chemical, physical and biological) stability of the will investment be needed?
active ingredient(s)? • What cost constraints are there on the co-formulants to be used or Zhejiang Runhe Chemical New Material 56
• How might active ingredients and co-formulants interact the manufacturing process?
Stepan Company 56
undesirably? In an article of this length, it is clearly not possible to address these
• Will the formulation be mixed in the tank with further plant questions in any detail. However, if formulators start off by using a SINVOCHEM 56
protection products, fertilisers and tank adjuvants, and what undesirable systematic “Design for Formulation” process of the type that we have
interactions may take place? outlined then they will have an excellent chance to successfully develop Nouryon 57
• What packaging materials and container types are going to be used a robust product and manufacturing route that meets the expectations not
Solvay 57
for the product? only of the company, but also of its customers and the regulators.
A AGROTEZ AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY AND TRADE S.A. 57
Azelis 57
ⅰ iFormulate Webinar Recording “Design for Formulation” https://iformulate.biz/training-and-events/iformulate-introduces-ian-jolliffe-formulationdesign/ Ad Terram Treatment Technologies B.V. 58
ⅱ ECHA Annex XVII to REACh: https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/e5842a1e-e9f9-6096-2829-72f71c00eaab
ⅲ EU Commission Regulation 2021/383: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0383&from=EN Agrovista 58
ⅳ US EPA - Risk Management for Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-
2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology

B BASF SE 58
management-nonylphenol-and-nonylphenol-ethoxylates
ⅴ iFormulate Webinar Recording “Design of Experiments for Formulators” https://iformulate.biz/training-and-events/webinar-recording-design-of-experiments-for- Borregaard 58
formulators/
C Croda 59
D Drexel Chemical Company 59
DOGAL PESTICIDES AND CHEMICALS INDUSTRY TRADE S.A. 59
DURA CO., LTD 59
Dow│The Materials Science Company 60
E Evonik Operations GmbH 60
Exwold Technology 60
F Fyteko 61
I Ingevity 61
Innospec 61
IMCD GROUP BV 61
Interagro (UK) Ltd 62
iFormulate 62
M Momentive 62
O Oxiteno 63
S SFM CHEMICALS 63
T TENSIOFIX® 63
W WuXi JingFung Technology Co., Ltd 63

Company Directory Company Directory
Zhejiang Runhe Chemical New Stepan Company SINVOCHEM Nouryon resources and improving people's life. Azelis
Material Along the agricultural value chain,
Solvay solutions help farmers increase crop
yield in a sustainable way. In crop protection,
our greener, safer formulation additives
Stepan Company is a global specialty SINVOCHEM is a chemical company We are a global specialty chemicals enhance efficacy and on-target delivery
Azelis Specialty Agri/Horti offers a
and intermediate chemical manufacturer that specializing in agrochemical adjuvants. leader. Markets worldwide rely on our of actives. In plant nutrition, our nitrogen
RUNHE, the top manufacturer of silicone comprehensive range of specialty chemicals
has been serving a broad range of industries With sustainable application scenario- essential chemistry in the manufacture of inhibitors increase fertilizer availability to
surfactant for crop protection industry. It and ingredients from first-class principals
since 1932. Our continued success is driven oriented technical innovation strategy, everyday products such as crop protection the plant while reducing greenhouse gas
is one of the leading silicone enterprises for the agriculture, horticulture, amenity,
by the passion and commitment of our 2,200 SINVOCHEM has gained good reputation formulations, pharmaceuticals, personal care emissions and water pollution. In seed care,
in China. We focus on scientific and and farm care market segments. Our
employees around the world. We are a leading as main supplier for formulators in China. items, paper, plastics and building materials we innovate with plant-based biostimulants to
technological innovation, committed to the knowledgeable team has years of experience
merchant producer of surfactants, which Backed by a group of passionate scientists items. Building on our nearly 400-year history, protect crops from drought and climate stress
development and production of agricultural within the industry, helping you choose
are key ingredients in consumer products and well-constructed formulation or spraying the dedication of our 10,000 employees, and natural binders for on-seed applications
silicone surfactant and its core raw materials. the right ingredient combination for your
such as laundry detergents, hard surface mimicking systems, SINVOCHEM succeeds and our shared commitment to business of future actives and biocontrols.
Runhe serves for agriculture and helps formulation and achieve superior results.
cleaners, disinfectants, shampoos and body in setting customized services as priority. growth, strong financial performance, safety, Experts in the field for over 40 years,
farmers around the world to increase crop Our local teams of passionate specialists
wash, as well as customized solutions for the Now SINVOCHEM maintains a good sustainability, and innovation, we have Solvay Agro teams create bonds to change the
production and reduce production costs. support you in reaching your targets in terms
agricultural, oilfield and construction markets. cooperation with over 70% top of domestic established a world-class business and built future of Agriculture.
Runhe produces 100% organosilicone of performance, cost-effectiveness, and
Stepan is a leading supplier of polyurethane formulators and main agro institutes. In strong partnerships with our customers.
surfactant, which is also called synergist, environmental protection for PPPs (Plant
polyols for the thermal insulation market, and recent years, SINVOCHEM is successfully We operate in over 80 countries around the www.solvay.com
pesticide adjuvant, organosilicon etc. It Protection Products), crop nutrition, and
offers high purity esters, fats and oils for the cracking overseas market through locally world and is a leading supplier of specialty anais.marquilly@solvay.com
is ethoxylated polytrisiloxane.It can be seed coatings applications. Azelis’ technical
pharmaceutical, medical nutrition and dietary formulation lab construction and in-tailored surfactants, polymers and solvents. +33 1 5356 5178
widely used in spraying agrochemicals laboratories, located across the region,
supplement industries. service collaborated with MNCs or leading Our agrochemical portfolio of industry-
such as pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, combine ingredients and ideas to create
Stepan Agricultural Solutions offers a distributors. leading brands includes Morwets® (wetting
foliar fertilizers, plant growth regulators opportunities through expertise. We can assist
robust pipeline of innovative products and In a word, SINVOCHEM provides not agents and dispersants), Adsee™ adjuvants, A you in developing tailor-made formulations,
and biological pesticides etc to achieve the
actively seeks to be the strategic supplier of only various adjuvants, but also application grilan® dispersants, Armid®solvents, troubleshooting, and testing your products.
A
purpose of efficiency, water saving, labor and
choice for your agricultural chemical needs. scenario- oriented solutions over formulation Ethylan® and Ethomeen® (alcohol and amine
pesticide saving, reducing pesticide loss.
Our global research network and geographic or spraying technology, contributing to alkoxylates). As a global company, with local https://www.azelis.com/en
footprint is such that we can effectively meet reduced pesticide usage while elevated presence and a robust supply chain, we can AgroAPAC@azelis.com
www.chinarunhe.com
the needs of our customers around the globe. agrochemical efficacy. ensure support and delivery wherever you are.
donna@chinarunhe.com
In addition, our industry-leading, Service & Strength: Every Day. AGROTEZ AGRICULTURE
+86-571-85092338-8002;
in-house formulation expertise in emulsifiable • Built-in surfactants (Polycaboxylates, INDUSTRY AND TRADE S.A.
+86-15988819025
concentrates, microemulsions, suspension Polyols, Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde www.nouryon.com/agriculture
concentrates and dry products provides a Condensate, Derivatives of polyols etc.) agro@nouryon.com
value-added service to help solve customers' and tank-mix adjuvants (COCs, Silicone-
most difficult challenges. polyether, Sulfosuccinate, Alkyoxylates etc.)
• Support to full range of formulations AGROTEZ was established in 1990, in
http://www.stepan.com/agriculture with mimicking platform. Istanbul/ TURKEY. It is a leading company in
techserv@stepan.com • Customized services including lab the area of Agricultural marketing, exporting
+1-847-446-7500 constructing/equipment or and technical services since 1990’s and
instrument selecting/personnel or on-site
Solvay major company in Insecticides, Fungicides,
production training… Herbicides, Plant Growth Regulators,
Fertilizers, Special Plant Feeds and Other
www.sinvochem.com Agrochemicals.
alex@sinvochem.com Main Services:
+86-15094373731 • Manufacturer and distributor
Founded in 1863, Solvay is a science • Technical support before and after sales
company developing materials, chemicals • Sales and marketing of PPP, plant
and solutions for medical and consumer nutrition and fertilizer
goods, electronics, cars, planes, construction, • R&D (Develops improved formulations
manufacturing, food and agriculture. Our and innovative products)
purpose is to bond people, ideas and elements
to reinvent progress, through an ambitious www.agrotez.com.tr
sustainability plan crafted around three info@agrotez.com.tr
pillars: protecting the climate, preserving +90 535 587 07 66
Ad Terram Treatment Agrovista

B D
Our wide range of dispersants like innovative crop protection products that are
Technologies B.V. Borresperse, Ufoxane and Greensperse can technologically advanced and scientifically
greatly help to produce high quality dry and proven. Our company has a high capacity
water-based formulations. We offer also R&D laboratory and quality systems such as
BASF SE natural performance-enhancing ingredients ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Drexel Chemical Company
Agrovista UK Limited is a leading for Plant Nutrient and Fertilizer Formulators Main Services
supplier of agronomy advice, seed, crop like our soil conditioners BorreGRO and our • Formulator, manufacturer, distributor
protection products and precision farming micronutrients Borrechel. • Technical support before and after sales
services. Working alongside the arable, fruit, • Sales and marketing of PPP, plant
We develop and produce agricultural vegetable, horticultural and amenity sectors, BASF’s Industrial Formulators is a www.lignotechagro.com nutrition and fertilizer
treatments and lead the way towards Agrovista is committed to helping customers leading single component raw material and • +47 69 11 80 00 for Europe/Midde- Drexel Chemical Company, founded in • R&D (Develops improved formulations
a microplastic free industry without manage their businesses more efficiently and additive supplier for chemical processing and East/Africa 1972, is a manufacturer and formulator of a and innovative products)
compromising price and quality. more profitably chemical formulations. Continuously striving • +1 715 359 65 44 for America broad line of agricultural chemicals. Drexel is
We founded Ad Terram in 2014 with Agrovista was established more than for innovative and sustainable solutions, it is • +65 6778 0008 for Asia successfully represented, and selling products, www.dogaltrm.com
one mission: provide the agro-industry with 60 years ago and actively practices values our defined goal to meet the current and future in over 80 countries. There is hardly a crop info@dogaltrm.com
environmentally friendly products to support of honesty, integrity and fairness across all needs of our customers and to contribute to a growing, anywhere in the world, that would +90 535 587 07 66
the agro-industry in the changes that lie aspects of the business, whilst taking pride sustainable economic development. not benefit from a Drexel product. Drexel has
ahead. In the past years, we have grown, in an innovative approach to research and We build on our core technologies in the potential to manufacture and distribute
more than 500 different products under the
C
and our brand is now represented around the development. It also embraces care for the response to market needs in all regions,
globe. Our products found their way into wider environment, with an understanding including the emerging markets. We serve Drexel triangle, resulting in one of the most
the fields of organic growers while many of the important role now played by all those customers in various industries – one of comprehensive lines of agricultural chemicals
conventional growers reduced the amount of who manage the land. them is agrochemicals in which we offer a available. Drexel has a full GLP lab, stringent
chemical residue in their soil. We are proud The business is part of leading European wide range of additives for crop protection Croda Quality Control and full capability for
that all our products are microplastic free organisation Agrovista BV, and overseen formulations and micronutrients. With our proper product packaging, private labeling
since the moment that we were founded. by international parent company, Marubeni strong R&D base and in-depth market and and shipping. Our product line contains
Corporation. This makes Agrovista a application expertise we work in close many unique formulations, particularly with
www.ad-terram.nl significant supplier of plant protection inputs cooperation with our customers aiming respect to our flowable materials. Growers
DURA CO., LTD
info@ad-teram.nl and advice, with more than 20% of the UK at efficient, convenient, eco-friendly, and Croda’s mission is to deliver targeted know that they can depend on Drexel for
+31(0)228593813 crop protection market. safe-to-use agrochemical solutions. Our innovation to sustainably improve agricultural consistent quality at an affordable price. As
Discovery range broad product portfolio includes solvents, yields and contribute to global food security. the best value in the market, Drexel delivers
• Spray application aids adjuvants, surface modifiers, dispersants, and Our high performance formulation aids and maximum yield at a minimal cost.
• Tank-mixed spray additives and emulsifiers. novel range of adjuvants mean that you Since 2010, DURA CO., LTD specializes
adjuvants can accomplish even the most challenging http://www.drexchem.com in making high grade ceramic grinding
• Designed to enhance efficacy of plant https://www.industrial-formulators.basf.com formulations without an adverse impact on lshockey@drexchem.com beads with world leading dropping & rolling
protection products industrial-formulators-eu@basf.com the environment. Our wide range of products 901-774-4370 x-338 technology. The core products include ceria
• Targeted formulations, focused by cover many areas such as; drift reduction stabilized zirconia bead DURA-62, yittria
pesticide requirement technology, uptake enhancement adjuvants, stabilized zirconia bead DURA-60, Zirconia
• Improved spray application superior rheology modifiers, high electrolyte Toughened Alumina(ZTA) bead DURA-52,
• Supported by pan-European R&D solutions and advanced dispersant technology. zirconium silicate bead DURA-40, Zirconia
program Toughened Alumina(ZTA) bead DURA-39.
• Comprehensive efficacy data to support use www.crodacropcare.com The capacity is 800MT/Y.
• Made in Britain Borregaard claire.hunt@croda.com Based on the viscosity of SC of pesticide,
+44 7823 664301 herbicide, fungicide and micro-element
www.agrovista.co.uk DOGAL PESTICIDES AND fertilizer and the conditions of bead mills,
peter.mcdonald@agrovista.co.uk CHEMICALS INDUSTRY we offer you a suitable grinding bead.
TRADE S.A. Durabeads®-the stable and durable ceramic
Borregaard operates one of the world's grinding media.
most advanced and sustainable biorefineries.
As a world leader for Lignosulfonates and www.durabeads.com
modified Humic acids, we take great pride durabeads@aliyun.com
of offering the crop protection and the DOGAL has been manufacturing and +86-762-8810227/8810228;
fertilizer industries environmentally friendly exporting plant protection and nutrition +86-189 2276 4826
alternatives to petroleum and coal based products since 1989. DOGAL is one
chemicals. of Turkey’s leading manufacturers of
Dow│The Materials Science

E Exwold Technology
F I
to, wet, penetrate and protect in the most
Company efficacious way.
Our established brands include NANSA®,
DEHSCOFIX®, EMPILAN®, EMPIPHOS®,
Evonik Operations GmbH Fyteko Ingevity EMPIGEN® and the ENVIOMET® range.
Exwold have 5 manufacturing sites Innospec is committed to continuously
based in the UK and specialise in contract improve the sustainability of our products and
formulation & processing of Crop Protection help our customers respond to environmental
Dow is a global solutions provider of
products using granulation technologies. challenges through innovation and improved
inert and additive agrochemical ingredients
Specialising in the following: product performance.
for both adjuvants and pesticides with in- Evonik is one of the world leaders in Ingevity provides specialty chemicals,
“Established in 2014 by bio-entrepreneurs
depth product performance expertise to meet specialty chemicals. The company is active high-performance carbon materials and
Formulation of Herbicides & Plant Guillaume Wegria and Dr Juan Carlos www.innospec.com
specific needs of our customers by customized in more than 100 countries around the world engineered polymers that purify, protect and
Growth Regulators: Cabrera, Fyteko is a committed climate- agrochemicals@innospecinc.com
solutions and global supply capabilities. and generated sales of €12.2 billion and an enhance the world around us. As the world's
• Low Pressure Extrusion of Water smart company, focused on the development +1 704 633 8028
• Focused on the Agrochemical market: operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.91 largest producer of kraft lignosulfonates,
Dispersible Granules (WDGs) & Soluble of advanced plant biostimulants. Fyteko
Preservation, In-can Formulants, Tank-mix billion in 2020. Evonik goes far beyond Ingevity is committed to quality, consistency
Granules (SGs) produces safe, sustainable input solutions to
Adjuvants, Fertilizer Additives Nutrition, chemistry to create innovative, profitable and and control in the manufacturing of
• Pan Granulation increase and optimise crop yields worldwide,
Agro Intermediates sustainable solutions for customers. More dispersants and surfactant systems. We offer
• Roll Compaction using signal bio molecules.
• Primary product focus – Surfactants, than 33,000 employees work together for a a range of bio-based specialty inerts for
• Impregnation and Coating of Granules These new biomolecules can help not
Amines, Solvents, Chelants common purpose: We want to improve life plant health and crop protection, and find
• IPPC authorisation for formulation of only protect crops against the effects of
• Our newly introduced POWERBLOX™ today and tomorrow. customers' solutions by combining quality
Herbicide acids into metal salts in-situ abiotic stress, such as drought, but increase
Products serve as the building blocks for BREAK-THRU® - Surfactant products and unsurpassed technical expertise.
yields, too. The unique technology synthesises
formulation success technology from Evonik Ingevity’s adjuvant products are sold under
Formulation of Highly Active (SU) signal molecules found within the plant itself,
• DOW: wide range of additional products We are committed to providing specialty the brand names AltaHance® and Altastick®.
Herbicides: ‘priming’ it to respond more effectively when
for agricultural markets – Rheology Modifies, additives to the agricultural industry used as Headquartered in North Charleston, South
• Recently transferred production to a faced with external stress.
Preservatives, Polyurethanes and Silicone. spreaders, penetrants, antifoams, emulsifiers Carolina, Ingevity operates from 25 locations
new dedicated facility adding capacity As well as solving previously intractable
and dispersants in tank mix applications around the world and employs approximately
problems such as stress relief, Fyteko expects
https://www.dow.com/en-us/market/mkt- as well as in crop protection formulations. 1,850 people.
Formulation of Insecticides & its planned range of ‘bio-based’ agrimolecules
agro-feed-animal-care/sub-agro-crop- With an emphasis on innovative solutions,
Fungicides: will not only help to improve the efficiency of
solutions.html we offer agricultural solutions based on both www.Ingevity.com
• Extrusion of WDGs/ SGs existing agrochemical actives but also reduce
Lwu4@dow.com siloxane and organic surfactants under the chemicals@ingevity.com IMCD GROUP BV
• Impregnation and Coating of Granules farmers’ reliance on them: healthier crops
BREAKTHRU® brand name.
have less need for intervention treatments.
Support Facilities More efficient crop production and fewer
www.evonik.com/break-thru
We have ISO 9001, ISO 14001&ISO pesticides, for a more sustainable agriculture,
break-thru@evonik.com
45001 certificates. We also have Top-tier are the twin goals for European agtech start-
IMCD is a market leader in the
COMAH authorisation at the Brenda Road up Fyteko.”
Contact us on: sales, marketing and distribution of
site where we handle & store incoming raw
materials. www.fyteko.com
Innospec speciality chemicals and food ingredients.
EMEA Headquartered in Rotterdam, The
In addition, we have a fully equipped contact@fyteko.com
Phone: +49 201 173 2665 Netherlands, IMCD employs over 3,000
laboratory and pilot plant to assist with +32(0)2 372 04 09
Fax: +49 301 173 1990 professionals in more than 50 countries. Its
product scale-up.
result-driven employees provide market-
Our expert Technical Management team
Americas focused solutions to suppliers and customers
have an innovative approach to finding Innospec is a global supplier of specialty
Phone: +1 804 727 0700 across EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Americas,
solutions, which allows us to support new chemicals to the agrochemical market. Our
Fax: +1 804 727 0855 offering a range of comprehensive product
product introduction & add value to your adjuvants, emulsifiers, specialty solvents,
portfolios, including innovative formulations
products, making Exwold a strategic partner wetting and chelating agents are used widely
Asia | Pacific that embrace industry trends.
for our clients. in agrochemical formulations. We develop
Phone: +86 21 6119-1125 IMCD focuses on partnering with leading
the technology that optimizes formulations
Fax: +86 21 6119-1406 industry suppliers that offer unique and
www.exwold.com for crop protection, plant nutrition, soil
enquiries@exwold.com improvers, tank mix adjuvants, wood innovative products into the agrochemical
+44 1429230340 preservatives, and animal health. These are market. IMCD’s vast portfolio contains a
time tested, high quality components that complete range of inerts enabling optimised
ensure active ingredients can be formulated formulations, such as: environmentally
in stable products that will spread on, stick friendly, sustainable solvents; adjuvants
optimising the application target; co-

formulants reducing volatility and sensitivity
One of Interagro’s great strengths is its
understanding of customer and market needs
M O S biostimulants and bio-solutions for a greener
agro world.
of new active substances. In addition, and its strong relationships with third parties. For more than 70 years,
IMCD offers naturally derived products It has a proven track record of obtaining Tensiofix® products have been used in
that overcome typical challenges of products and developing them for specialist Momentive Oxiteno SFM CHEMICALS agrochemical formulations all over the world.
bioformulations and ingredients utilised for markets. We are committed to solving your
microbiological fermentation processes. With alliances and partnerships stretching formulation issues through a strong technical
throughout the EU, Eastern Europe and North team with extensive expertise and innovation.
www.imcdgroup.com Africa, Interagro is recognised as providing
Michal.archman@imcd.pl technological solutions and management tools www.tensiofix.com
With a 35-year heritage of innovation and Oxiteno is one of the world’s leading SFM CHEMICALS offers manufacturing
+48 601 645 040 to meet the different challenges of growers Tensiofix sales@omnichem.be
expertise in agriculture adjuvants, Momentive surfactant companies, headquartered in Sao know how to the agrochemical industry
in many different markets and climatic +32 (0) 10 483111
continues to help growers worldwide Paulo, Brazil. It has a global reach and is with focus on toll formulation, blending
conditions.
achieve outstanding performance from their focused on developing new molecules and and packaging of a variety of standard and
Interagro work closely with a number of
agrochemical treatments. Whether for tank- technologies to serve demands and major specialized goods for the Crop Protection
distributors to be able to offer farmers and
mix or in-can formulations, Momentive’s trends in the markets it operates in. Market. The formulation facility is
growers even more cost-effective performance
agriculture solutions have a reputation for The Crop Solutions division has strategically placed in the Southern part of
of crop protection products.
high-quality, powerful performance. more than 40 years of experience in the Germany, close to European key markets. W
Silwet super spreaders and super agrochemical market. It develops custom Reliable order execution and fair pricing make
http://www.interagro.co.uk/
penetrants enable agrochemical spray solutions develop more robust adjuvant SFM Chemicals a recognized and appreciated
info@interagro.co.uk
treatments to spread up to 10x more than tank mix solutions to increase yield for service provider for German and international WuXi JingFung Technology
+44(0)1279 714970
conventional adjuvants to help growers active ingredients and adjuvants that support partners, guaranteeing a flexible planning and Co., Ltd
Interagro (UK) Ltd improve yield and spray efficiency—even compatibility for different products. quick turnaround of production orders also
against the hardest to wet plants and the Crop Solutions is focused on improving under bonded conditions.
toughest weeds. Silwet adjuvants can enable crop yields and nutrient availability through
stomatal infiltration in as little as 2 minutes new technologies, using fewer natural www.sfm-chemicals.eu
– providing rainfastness and spray flexibility. resources (water and land). This is how info@sfm-chemicals.eu
WuXi JingFung Technology Co., Ltd is
Silwet adjuvants provide growers confidence Oxiteno helps to feed the world and reduces
Interagro was formed in 1994 and a professional manufacturer of surfactant &
that each spray treatment will deliver environmental and social impacts with the
has since then been at the forefront of the specialty chemicals. Our own manufacturing
maximum performance. efficient use of natural resources.
development of surfactant chemistry as iFormulate base is located in JiangSu WuXi. Our products
One tank treatment with a SAG antifoam Based on its in-depth knowledge of
in-tank adjuvants. It continues to be the include four categories:anion, nonionic,
provides long-lasting foam control, allowing market needs and trends, Crop Solutions has
pioneering organisation it set out to be, cation, amphion. The application covers
formulators to improve productivity and identified four major innovation platforms
developing and marketing a wide range
of innovative products to optimise the providing growers more time to spray and and develops new technologies in each one of T coating, printing ink, textile printing and
dyeing, leather, pesticide, metal processing,
less hassle from foam. them: Crop Protection; Tank Mix Adjuvants,
performance of agricultural and horticultural papermaking, adhesives, plastics and other
iFormulate Ltd provides customised R&D Biosolutions and Crop Enhancement.
inputs. industry fields. Our agricultural chemicals
and innovation services to companies working TENSIOFIX ®
Today, Interagro boasts over 100 products include Calcium Dodecylbenzene sulphonate,
in Formulation Science and Technology. We www.oxiteno.com
in 30 international markets, making it one Tri Styrenated Phenol Ethoxylates, Tallow
offer consultancy, problem solving, R&D cropsolutions@oxiteno.com
of the leading lights in the specialist spray Amine Ethoxylateds, Castor Oil Ethoxylates,
support, idea generation and development,
adjuvant business throughout the EU, Eastern www.silwet.com
assistance with commercialisation, and Fatty Acid Alcohol Ethoxylates, EO/PO
Europe and North Africa. Marcosaurelio.belle@momentive.com
training. Our clients come from the co-block polymer and other emulsifiers,
Interagro’s continued investment in phosphate, sulfate, polycarboxylate, and
agrochemical and biopesticides industries Tensiofix® is providing Surfactants
R&D and technology partnerships has led various of anion, cationic and amphoteric
as well as all other formulating industries (Surface Active Agents) solutions used as
to many significant milestones in product wetting agents, synergists, widely used in all
(e.g. pharma, biocides, coatings, inks, food, essential components for the formulation of
introduction and market development. With kinds of agrochemical formulations. We aspire
cosmetics, household, specialty chemicals). agrochemical products, acting mainly for
a rapidly expanding world population where to become a professional, reliable and global
stability, dispersibility and biological efficacy.
cost-efficient food production on ever less supplier in surfactant and specialty chemicals
www.iformulate.biz The surfactant range consists of
available land has become top of the global industy! To provide global customers with
info@iformulate.biz emulsifiers, wetting-dispersing agents and
agenda, its future remains bright. a complete range, excellent quality, high
+44 7860 519582 other additives.
Dedicated to improving overall spray performance products and services!
This expertise enables to propose
performance and efficiency whilst maintaining
high performance and cost-effective
a strong and positive environmental focus, www.jingfung.com
surfactants especially designed for
Interagro products will remain at the forefront andy.zhang@jingfung.com
agrochemical applications.
of new adjuvant technology. +86-13812193721; +86-0510-85169316
We also develop vegetable based
WETOUT
® Technology and Product
2021 Ag Formulation & Application Technology
Congress (FAT 2021)
September 2021, Hangzhou, China
A new generation 100% Non-ionic surfactant
Topics and Discussion
· Policy Dynamics and Market Trends
· Formulation and Application
· Technology and Products/ Solutions
· Formulation Case Studies
· Seed Treatment Formulations
· UAV crop protection technology
Communication and cooperation

The benefits
Creating a professional and efficient technology exchange platform
of using WETOUT ®
• SUPERIOR SPREADING
– Better coverage
· Data of FAT
• BETTER DEPOSITION
300+ Delegates 160+ Companies 20+ Countries and Regions – More product on the target
• LESS DRIFT
– Less loss and better compliance
• INCREASED EFFICACY
– Less weeds
• INCREASED VERSATILITY
– Less products needed
• LOW USER RATES

– Less handling and storage, very cost effective
• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
– Biodegradable
Participating companies:
SPREADING
Wetout® reaches levels of spreading that
were previously only possible by using very
expensive organosilicones.
Left: BS1000 at 100mL/100L;
Wetout® retains a long drying and humectancy period, Hairy surface, Middle: Wetout® at 100mL/100L;
important for uptake of glyphosate products. 0.1mL droplets: Right: No surfactant, water only.
Looking forward to your participation in FAT 2021!
Grace Yuan
Email: grace@agropages.com
Tel: +86 15505713266
WeChat: nanagrace2014
SST Australia Pty Ltd SST New Zealand

Ph +61 3 9720 6306 Ph +64 9259 3777
www.sstaustralia.com www.sstnewzealand.co.nz
HIGHLY VERSATILE SOLUTIONS

Agrochemical Anionic Emulsifiers from Innospec
Formulators within the crop protection industry are looking for versatile and robust inert
ingredients that provide long-term stability for complex concentrated formulations.
Innospec Agrochemical Anionic Emulsifiers, are consistently produced to a very

high-quality standard that gives formulators confidence in product stability.
The NANSA® EVM, alkylbenzene sulfonate calcium salts, are the “work horse”
emulsifiers that can be used in any number of emulsified systems.
The ENVIOMET® EM, di-alkyl sulfosuccinate sodium salts, are particularly well suited
for formulations requiring rapid wetting when diluted into water.
Whether assisting in formulating, manufacturing or regulatory requirements,

we are committed to collaborating with you to find creative and effective solutions
for your formulation needs.
Contact us at agrochemicals@innospecinc.com
www.innospec.com

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Technology and Product

2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology 1

2 2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology

Oxiteno: SURFOM®8963 — An Innovative Solution for High Load Glufosinate 40

Ingevity: Bio-based Oil for Biological and Conventional Pesticide Formulations 43

Croda: Spray Quality Control – A Sustainability Case Study 46

BASF: Next Generation Polar Solvent for Agrochemical Formulations 48

NextGen Seed Treatments Microplastic Free and Energy Saving by AD Terram 50

iFormulate: Formulation Challenges in a Global Environment 52

Committed to Developing Novel

Before and after tomato crop treated by RH-208

Before and after brassica chinensis treated by RH-208

Azelis in Asia Pacific:

12 countries 20+ laboratories 20 offices 425+ employees 4,800+ customers

formulations. Our regional and local teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure

Sustainability and Digitalization Please introduce the product lines/portfolio of Azelis

SINVOCHEM: Dedicated to Eco-Friendly

Figure 1. SC formulation salon for overseas customers

SINVOCHEM is a chemical company specializing in

Rotam CropSciences: Insight Into

for Crop Protection

Figure 5. Stepan’s new Agricultural Innovation Center in Winder, Georgia, U.S.

Table 1. Solubility of BREAK-THRU® OE Product Range at 5 %-wt %

MORE WITH LESS – EVONIK

Effective at low concentration, Evonik is committed to providing excellent product

nutrient conversion rates into growth and yield.

Solvay: New Dispersant Polymers for for pigment dispersions.

the Design of Complex Suspension and

Flowable Concentrate Formulations powder distribution, polymer introduction

Suspensibility after 3 months at 45°C (%)

Dispersion after 3 months at 45°C (%)

Product Adjuvant Surface tension CMC value Contact angle

ADSEE coco-amidopropyl Penetrant and

and our shared commitment to business growth,

Our agrochemical portfolio of industry-leading

Innovative Solution for High Load

Glufosinate Formulation glufosinate.

limiting the space to increase glufosinate amount.

Table 1. Suggestive glufosinate formulation using

Component Load (wt%)

Ingevity: Bio-based Oil for Biological and

Enhancing formulation stability with AltaOil

Although achieving OD formulation stability can be challenging, selecting the appropriate

2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology 43

Both AltaOil grades have similar viscosity and density compared to

Figure 3. Bacillus spp. OD pesticide film formation on parafilm substrate

Sustainability Case Study

Performance data of Atplus DRT-EPS

Compatibility Table 1. Physical-chemical properties and Hansen parameters of water-soluble solvents

Agrochemical Formulations cyclohexanone, solvent naphtha 150 and 200 ND,

Microplastic Free Seed Energy Saving

ga precious energy can be saved by using our seed treatments. Firstly

NextGen Seed Treatments Table 1: Based on batch sizes up to 20 KG

Can also be used in organic farming

Formulation Challenges • Matching the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) of the

in a Global Environment • Using HLD-NAC (hydrophilic-lipophilic difference – net average

2021 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology

D Drexel Chemical Company 59

DOGAL PESTICIDES AND CHEMICALS INDUSTRY TRADE S.A. 59