As the agriculture industry faces mounting pressure to enhance sustainability benefits while maintaining high yields, cutting-edge technology is emerging as a promising solution: microencapsulation. This innovative technique, which encloses active ingredients within a protective coating, is revolutionizing how agrochemicals and biologicals are delivered, offering farmers prolonged viability, targeted delivery and improved performance under diverse field conditions.

A SMARTER WAY TO DELIVER AGRICULTURAL INPUTS

Modern farming relies on agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Still, these products often face challenges like rapid degradation due to UV exposure, temperature changes and moisture. Microencapsulation solves these issues by providing a controlled release mechanism, delivering active ingredients precisely when and where they are needed.

The benefits are significant. Microencapsulation enhances stability, extends the shelf-life of agrochemicals, and reduces the risk of leaching into soil and waterways, making it a vital tool in sustainable farming practices. Additionally, this technology increases efficacy by enabling targeted delivery while minimizing environmental impact.

ADVANCING BIOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

The rise of biologicals — such as beneficial bacteria, fungi, pheromones and plant extracts — is shifting agriculture toward natural alternatives. However, these products can be highly sensitive to environmental stressors, which can reduce their effectiveness before they reach crops.

Microencapsulation offers a solution by protecting biologicals from harsh conditions and allowing for a gradual, controlled release. This means farmers can expect longer shelf-life, improved field performance and seamless integration into existing agricultural practices like seed coatings, foliar sprays and soil amendments.

INDUSTRY LEADERS DRIVING INNOVATION

The global microencapsulation market of crop inputs today is almost exclusively focused on chemical active ingredients and is valued at roughly USD 500 million annually, excluding the value of active ingredient (AI). The market is growing at an estimated 8 percent per year. Milliken estimates growth of encapsulated biologicals can exceed that pace.

One of the companies leading the charge in microencapsulation technology is Milliken, which is developing cutting-edge encapsulation solutions for agriculture through its Encapsys technology. With decades of expertise, Milliken’s advanced encapsulation methods enhance the efficiency, stability and targeted release of active ingredients.

“Microencapsulation is transforming the way we think about agricultural inputs — especially biologicals,” said Mike Friese, VP and Business Manager, Encapsys. “By extending product efficacy and ensuring precise control over release rates, we are maximizing biological product performance and supporting more sustainable farming practices.”

Milliken’s large-scale encapsulation capabilities ensure consistent, high-quality solutions for agriculture. From protecting microbes in biofertilizers to enhancing herbicides and converting synthetic AI into biodegradable capsules, their proprietary technology delivers tailored, effective products. With one of the industry’s largest capacities, Milliken meets global demand with reliability and innovation.

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR AGRICULTURE

As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, microencapsulation is expected to play an increasingly critical role in balancing productivity with sustainability. Advances in biodegradable encapsulation materials and nanocarriers are further improving precision and eco-friendliness, paving the way for a new era of smarter, more efficient farming.

For farmers and agribusinesses looking to stay ahead in an industry driven by innovation, microencapsulation is proving to be a technology worth exploring. Improved encapsulation technologies will extend the viability of biofertilizers and biopesticides, reducing storage and transport challenges. This will encourage wider adoption of biological products in mainstream agriculture.

About the Author:

Ryan Michaud serves as the Global Product Manager for Agriculture at Milliken, a leading microencapsulation company based in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has been in industry for 20 years following his education as a Chemical Engineer. His professional background includes Research and Development, Product and Process Development, and Supply Chain.

About Milliken: Milliken is an innovator of agricultural delivery technologies designed to help water, seed, biologicals, and crop protection products efficiently reach crop targets.
Learn More at www.Milliken.com