Designing An Optimal And Scalable Protocol For Formulating A 40% Emulsifiable Concentrate For A Systemic Insecticide

Emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) remain a widely used formulation type in crop protection due to their ease of use and effectiveness. They are composed of an active ingredient dissolved in a water-insoluble solvent, combined with emulsifiers. When mixed with water in the spray tank, ECs form fine emulsions with droplet sizes typically between 0.1 and 1.0 µm. The stability of this emulsion depends on selecting surfactants that are compatible with both the solvent system and the active compound. Once applied, the resulting emulsion ensures uniform coverage of the active ingredient on crops, which is essential for consistent pest control.

Formulating ECs, however, involves several technical challenges. Key among these is maintaining solubility of the active ingredient in non-aqueous solvents while ensuring emulsifier compatibility. Achieving emulsion stability with precise droplet size requires careful tuning of the formulation. The surfactants must support long-term stability and interact well with all components. Additionally, environmental considerations such as solvent toxicity, residue control, and regulatory compliance must be addressed during development.

This case study features a project delivered by Aragen’s formulation team for a European agriscience client. The objective was to develop a scalable and stable EC formulation for a systemic insecticide. Aragen successfully created a solution that met stringent criteria for emulsion quality, physical stability, and active delivery. The final formulation was approved by the client and validated by international regulatory bodies.