Adjuvants Uncovered Episode 1: New Developments in Adjuvants, Biologicals, and Sustainability
14 November 2025 The agricultural industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need for sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in food production. In the first episode of AgriBusiness Global’s video series, Adjuvants: Uncovered, industry experts discuss how advances in adjuvant chemistry and biological integration are shaping the future of crop protection.
Joining the discussion are Andrea Alquicira, Agro Market Manager – Americas at Evonik; Terry Abbott, Senior Product Portfolio Manager for Adjuvants at Adjuvants Unlimited and former Chairman of CPDA; and Dr. Ruifie Wang, Scientist of Research and Development in Agriculture and Food at Nouryon. Together, they explore how innovation and collaboration are expanding the possibilities for sustainable agriculture.
The Shift Toward Smarter, Safer Adjuvants
Wang opened by highlighting a key shift in how the industry views adjuvants.
“We’re seeing people start to realize that adjuvants are not just supporting chemicals. They’re critical tools that can help achieve both food security and sustainability targets,” he said.
New adjuvant developments increasingly emphasize low-toxicity and biodegradable components that balance performance with environmental stewardship. “If you can find the right functionality using preferred chemistry, that’s always an ideal path forward,” Wang added.
He also pointed to drift control as an area of rapid innovation, driven by both regulation and the rise of drone applications. “Companies are continuously improving their products: enhancing ease of use, consistency, and performance,” he said.
As drones and precision technologies become more common, adjuvants must evolve to ensure optimal droplet size, spreading, and deposition, especially when paired with biologicals.
Adjuvants and Biologicals: Finding the Right Balance
For Abbott, the expanding biologicals market represents both opportunity and complexity.
“We’re just starting to tease out the connections between adjuvants and biologicals,” he said. “There are hundreds of biologicals out there, many from startups, and we’re trying to understand how to improve their effectiveness with adjuvants.”
Abbott described the work as “tricky but fun,” noting that compatibility is crucial. “You must make sure the adjuvant doesn’t harm the microorganism you’re trying to deliver. If it kills microbes, there’s no benefit. So, there’s a lot of screening and testing involved.”
Early field trials have shown promises for foliar-applied biologicals, where adjuvants can improve coverage and retention.
Sustainability also remains central to this work, though Abbott cautioned that the term could mean different things across the industry. “What we want is to make sure biologicals prove themselves beneficial to the grower. That’s who we’re all working for.”
Collaboration and Investment Drive Progress
Alquicira of Evonik emphasized that biological space spans many categories, each with its own hurdles. “At Evonik, we’ve focused for several years on the microbial subcategory, helping customers extend shelf life and improve field performance,” she said.
While early enthusiasm around biologicals was high, expectations have since matured.
“Five years ago, everyone thought progress would happen quickly. But the more we research, the more challenges arise, especially with microbial biologicals,” she said.
Factors such as biocompatibility, stability, and environmental conditions all affect performance. “Microbes can be sensitive. Too much sun can kill them, too little and they won’t thrive,” she explained.
Despite these challenges, collaboration continues to accelerate worldwide. “Every week I see headlines about new partnerships, large companies investing in startups, and universities teaming with innovators. It’s all aimed at tackling challenges together and advancing this market,” she said.
Alquicira added that evolving consumer awareness and regulations are also key drivers.
Looking Ahead
Across the panel, one message was clear: collaboration is the innovation model. The intersection of chemistry, biology, and sustainability is where the next generation of agricultural breakthroughs is taking shape.
The integration of adjuvants and biologicals is still in its early stages, but the direction is clear. Continued research, strategic partnerships, and advances in formulation science are paving the way toward more effective, environmentally responsible crop solutions.
“It’s tricky. It’s complicated,” Abbott said, “but it’s fun, and it’s the future.”
Get The Newsletter Today!
