NineSigma is happy to be launching the Huntsman’s Biodegradable Fertilizer Coating  Challenge.

NineSigma, representing Huntsman International LLC (“Huntsman”), is inviting participants to submit proposals for biodegradable polymers to be used in coatings for Controlled-Release Fertilizers (CRFs). Huntsman believes that biodegradable polymers can support sustainable agriculture schemes where CRFs meet the needs for reducing soil contamination by microplastics. We invite participants to submit proposals for innovative ways to design and implement biodegradable polymeric coatings for fertilizer pellets.

What is the challenge?

How to formulate and manufacture biodegradable coatings for controlled released fertilizers, which can support sustainable agriculture and reduce microplastic contamination in soils?

Huntsman’s mission is to provide products and solutions by applying science that enriches lives and helps create a sustainable future. Our policy places care for human health, safety and the environment at the forefront of everything we do. At Huntsman, product stewardship is an integrated process for identifying, managing and minimizing the environmental, health and safety impacts at every stage of the products life cycle. Our commitment to safer and sustainable products enhances public confidence, helps keep our customers and consumers safe, and reinforces our commitment to behaving as a responsible and sustainable company. Huntsman has recognized the essential benefits of CRFs (increased crop yield, and decreased fertilizer usage) but would like to develop a fully biodegradable coating that delivers optimal release performance.

A Huntsman scientific prize of $75,000 will be awarded to each of the laureate teams, up to five total, by July 2024. Moreover, Huntsman can potentially support collaborations with one or more of the laureate teams to develop the selected scientific proposal(s), with the aim to transform them into market-tailored technologies

If you’d like more details about the challenge and on how to participate, please visit the challenge page here: http://www.ninesigma.com/s/HuntsmanChallenge

Proposals must be submitted online by the 19th of January 5PM U.S. Eastern Daylight Time.

If you have any questions please reach out directly to: biserni@ninesigma.com