Jun 08, 2021
Ingevity’s new generation of sustainable dispersants meets the complex challenges of biological formulations
INGEVITY IN THE NEWS
In recent years, the increasingly stringent regulations for conventional pesticides coupled with consumers’ growing preferences to eat organically have expanded the need for “biological pesticides,” or biopesticides, derived from natural materials1. Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) definition, there are two main groups of biopesticides, including naturally occurring substances known as biochemical pesticides, and microorganisms known as microbial pesticides.
Formulating microorganisms into stable products is particularly challenging due to the delicate nature of these living organisms. Additionally, some microorganisms are ultraviolet (UV) sensitive, requiring extra effort to maintain viability under field conditions. For large-scale production of microorganisms, a process known as industrial fermentation is commonly used. This process generates many side products including toxins, proteins and other metabolites, further increasing the complexity of the biopesticide formulation.
To solve these challenges, pine-based chemistry provider Ingevity continues to innovate and develop high-performing agricultural co-formulants made almost exclusively from renewable resources. The newest line of next generation kraft lignosulfonate dispersants, AltaBio™, is designed specifically for challenging microorganism formulations, including wettable powder (WP), water dispersible granules (WDG) and suspension concentrates (SC). Read more…
