Agrochemicals

Innospec’s technical experts support the development of high-performing, sustainable plant protection products derived from plant-based extracts. Our formulation additives, including the ENVIOMET® EM 1000 series of castor oil ethoxylates, the anionic emulsifier ENVIOMET® EM 5662, and the methyl ester soybean oil SULFONOL® EMSJ, are well-suited for creating emulsifiable concentrates (EC) that incorporate renewable raw materials, supporting the development of more sustainable plant protection products.

To further enhance formulation performance and stability, we offer a range of dispersants such as ENVIOMET® DIS 9500 and the phosphate ester derivative EMPIPHOS® O3D, as well as high-efficiency emulsifiers like the non-ionic EMPILAN® KLA6, which are well suited for Oil Dispersion (OD) applications. These solutions are designed to support the transition toward more sustainable agrochemical systems by enabling the use of biodegradable and bio-based ingredients, reducing environmental impact, and promoting resource efficiency throughout the product lifecycle.

To maximize the performance of microbial technologies in the field, it is essential to develop stable, optimized formulations that preserve microorganism viability throughout shelf life and application. At Innospec, we apply rigorous testing methods including Colony Forming Unit (CFU) counts and inhibition zone analysis across a variety of microbial strains to evaluate and refine formulation additives.

Drawing on these insights, our technical experts have developed a range of liquid chassis formulations that are compatible with microorganisms and deliver long-term stability. These solutions enable the effective delivery of microbial benefits, while maintaining product integrity and supporting the shift towards sustainable, bio-based agrochemical systems.

Mineral-based plant protection products often exhibit poor wetting properties when diluted in water, limiting their effectiveness on crop surfaces. To improve leaf coverage and ensure optimal performance, Innospec recommends the use of targeted wetting agents: ENVIOMET® WT 5700 for solid formulations and ENVIOMET® WT 8519 for liquid formulations.

These solutions are designed to enhance dispersion and adhesion, enabling more efficient application and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Water-soluble active ingredients in crop protection products can lose effectiveness when exposed to sudden rainfall, leading to increased pesticide waste and reduced performance. Innospec’s TANWAX® CE 6025 and TANWAX® C18 nano carnauba wax emulsions offer a natural, biodegradable solution that enhances adhesion to leaf surfaces, improving rain fastness and helping to ensure the active ingredients remain effective, even during wet conditions.

Adjuvants play a key role in enhancing the performance of active ingredients, helping to reduce overall pesticide use and lower a farm’s carbon footprint by minimizing the number of applications required. Innospec offers a comprehensive range of adjuvants and wetting agents tailored to diverse crop protection needs. We particularly recommend ENVIOMET® WT 8519 for herbicide soluble liquid formulations and ENVIOMET® EM 3121 for insecticide and fungicide solvent or oil-based formulations. Both ingredients are designed to support efficient, effective, and environmentally responsible agriculture.

Physical incompatibilities such as flocculation or phase separation can occur when mixing different crop protection products prior to spraying, often leading to reduced efficacy and product waste. Innospec offers a range of compatibilizer adjuvants designed to minimize these issues and support more reliable tank mix performance.

Among them, ENVIOMET® WT 8002 stands out as a plant-derived, sugar-based wetting agent that effectively bridges heavy electrolyte systems with emulsifiable concentrates. Our technical experts are available to help identify the most suitable adjuvant for your specific formulation needs, ensuring compatibility and supporting sustainable application practices.

Water Dispersible Granules (WG) are dust-free, solid formulations that offer safer handling, storage, and transport compared to wettable powders. With higher active ingredient loading than suspension concentrates and no organic solvents, unlike emulsifiable concentrates, WG formulations help reduce environmental impact through lower solvent use and minimized packaging waste.

To support effective WG development, Innospec provides a range of formulation additives including ENVIOMET® WT 5700 and ENVIOMET® WT 4950 wetting agents, as well as ENVIOMET® DIS 9318 and ENVIOMET® DIS 9300 dispersants.

Concentrated plant protection formulations can significantly reduce plastic and cardboard waste, as well as lower CO₂ emissions associated with transport and packaging. These formulations also enable the efficient combination of multiple active ingredients in a single product, streamlining application.

Innospec supports the development of high-loading formulations with solutions such as ENVIOMET® DIS 9100, a dispersant designed for liquid suspension concentrates with solid content exceeding 500 g/L. For high-loading glyphosate formulations, ENVIOMET® WT 8002 provides effective in-can performance and compatibility.

Fresh produce can lose moisture and suffer damage during transport and storage, leading to reduced shelf life and increased food waste. Innospec’s TANWAX® CE 6025, a carnauba wax emulsion derived from natural sources, helps reduce dehydration by up to 40%, keeping fruits fresher for longer. By extending shelf life, these biodegradable coatings contribute to reducing postharvest food loss and support more sustainable, efficient supply chains across the agricultural sector.

Seedlings are especially vulnerable to dehydration and physical damage during transport. Innospec’s TANWAX® 4C 396, a carnauba wax emulsion derived from natural sources, forms a protective, biodegradable coating that helps reduce moisture loss and physical damage. This treatment can reduce transport volume by up to 50%, helping to minimize product loss, packaging waste and logistical inefficiencies, supporting more sustainable horticultural practices.

Aromatic solvents, particularly those containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), are linked to a range of toxic effects in mammals, raising concerns about their continued use in agrochemical formulations. In response, Innospec offers a selection of water-immiscible solvents with favorable toxicological profiles and ready biodegradability, supporting the shift toward safer and more sustainable alternatives.

Our portfolio includes SULFONOL® EMSJ, ENVIOMET® SOL DBC, ENVIOMET® SOL 2-EH LACTATES, and ENVIOMET® SOL DPGDB, all designed to deliver effective formulation performance while reducing health and environmental risks.