Growing greener with biologicals
Biologicals have emerged as a more sustainable alternative to conventional agrochemicals as they pose fewer regulatory concerns, ensuring safety for people and the planet. Biologicals encompass a range of solutions based on biochemicals, microorganisms or macroorganisms. Clariant has focused on developing technologies for biologicals based on microorganisms, which are predominantly used for biocontrol but also find application as biostimulants.
Clariant solutions for biological formulations
Solutions for biologicals
Biological formulations present unique challenges, from maintaining stability and compatibility to ensuring consistent field performance. Advanced formulation solutions are essential to unlock their full potential and deliver reliable efficacy.
Our expertise in chemistry and agriculture, allows us to offer a toolbox of adjuvants and co-formulants to boost performance of biological formulations.
OMRI-eligible ingredients
Clariant provides a range of products suitable for use in organic farming according to the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) which ensures product compliance with the USDA National Organic Program standards.
Discover Clariant’s innovative adjuvants and co-formulants that meet OMRI eligibility criteria.
Comprehensive testing suite for microorganisms
To identify and develop the best adjuvants and co-formulants for biological formulations, Clariant is combining its formulation know-how, microbiology expertise, and advanced capabilities in enhancing bio-efficacy. Using a high-throughput method, our products were tested for biocompatibility against commercially available biocontrol formulations, covering bacteria and fungi. This has resulted in a valuable toolbox of adjuvants and co-formulants, including dispersing agents, emulsifiers, fluid carriers, and utility modifiers.
Challenges of biological formulations
Microorganism-based actives present particular formulation and application challenges, as their viability must be preserved from formulation to application under standard field conditions.
Biocompatibility
Microorganisms must be viable during storage (in-can) and application (tank-mix). Stability and performance additives should not compromise viability. Shelf-life
Formulations must meet shelf-life standards. Some microorganisms may require careful formulation design and co-formulant selection to maintain viability. Efficacy
Microorganisms must reach their intended target. Proper deposition, adhesion, and retention should be achieved while minimizing run off, bounce off, and drift. Environmental resistance
Formulations should ensure that bio-efficacy is not affected by environmental factors (e.g. UV light, heat, rain, dehydration under low humidity).
