Since June 2025, the coating applied to the seeds marketed by Sakata no longer contains microplastics. It is now 100% biosourced and biodegradable, in line with European regulations. "The purpose of the coating is to adhere the active ingredients (fungicides or bio-stimulants) to the seed, promote sowability (flow in seedlings), help the user identify the seedling (different color compared with potting compost or soil), and reduce dust," explains Matthieu Maxant, chief operating officer.
By changing the composition of its coating, Sakata EMEA has decided to anticipate European regulations, which require seed companies to stop using products containing microplastics in 2031. "Sakata's aim is always to meet the expectations of farmers and consumers. Hence, our decision to innovate by choosing a microplastic-free polymer to anticipate regulatory requirements more than five years in advance."
Sakata EMEA has been carrying out tests on several seeds since 2020, first in the laboratory and then on a larger scale. In this way, the seed company guarantees identical germination rates and an unchanged price to its clients. This change in favor of more sustainable agriculture "will ultimately have an impact on soil and water quality... and will enable us to be ahead of the legislation due to come into force in 2028."
For more information:
Sophie Ayme-Berezinski
S. STORIES
Phone: +33 (0)6 61 52 78 63
[email protected]