Development of plant protein-based, biodegradable, microplastic-free seed coatings

种皮提高了农业生产力；改善种子处理；减少粉尘的形成；通过播种机增加种子的流动性；保护种子免受病虫害；提供杀菌剂和杀虫剂；促进发芽和植物生长；并且，提供有效成分和有益成分。然而，大多数种子包衣依赖于石油衍生的聚合物，这些聚合物会在农业土壤中释放微塑料。这些微塑料被认为是对土壤稳定性、作物生长、生物多样性和生态系统功能的新威胁，预计到2027年将在欧洲被禁止使用。Xampla将与Croda International和NIAB的研究人员合作，开发一种生物基、可生物降解和无微塑料的产品，以替代传统的石油衍生种子涂层。

Seed coatings increase agricultural productivity; improve seed handling; reduce dust formation; increase flowability of seeds through planters; protect seeds from pests and diseases; provide fungicides and pesticides; increase germination and plant growth; and, deliver active ingredients and beneficials. However, most seed coatings rely on petroleum-derived polymers, which release microplastics in agricultural soils. These microplastics are considered an emerging threat to soil stability, crop development, biodiversity, and ecosystem function and are expected to be banned in Europe by 2027\. Working with Croda International and researchers at NIAB, Xampla will develop a bio-based, biodegradable and microplastic-free replacement for conventional petroleum-derived seed coatings.