Our Statement on Microplastics in Seed Treatment

The ISF Statement on Microplastics in Seed Treatment, which was approved by the ISF Board of Directors in March 2024, has been published on our website. This statement underscores our commitment to addressing the issue of microplastics in seed treatment.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small plastic fragments less than 5 mm (0.2 inches) in diameter. Once in the environment, microplastics are slow to (bio)degrade, prompting questions about environmental and health concerns. While most microplastics in the environment derive from road tire wear, washing of synthetic clothes and plastic pellets, some agricultural practices also contribute to the release of microplastics.

What does it have to do with seed treatment?

Seed treatment products (STPs) are applied onto the seed combined with polymers, some of which are considered microplastics. The current contribution of seed treatments to the release of microplastics into the environment is estimated to be 1% with the goal of the agricultural industry to reach zero. The most prominent function of polymers in seed treatments is to ensure proper adherence of STPs to the seed surface.

What is the seed industry doing to make seed treatments free of microplastics?

There is broad support from the international seed community to offer microplastic-free products where feasible. As a result of a significant effort, microplastic-free seed-applied polymers are already becoming more readily available as companies evaluate and transition their portfolio.

The situation for STPs, however, is even more complex, as the entire formulation must evolve from a technical and biological perspective and follow a strict regulatory process, which takes several years. A joint proactive attitude from suppliers and seed companies to develop alternatives, validate those in actual practice, register where needed, and transition as quickly as possible will contribute to a positive societal opinion on the agricultural community’s ambitions to sustainably feed the world.

Read and download the full statement here.