Milliken Launches Encapsulation Capabilities and Partnerships in the Brazilian Market

Spartanburg, S.C.- — Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company announced today the launch of new encapsulation capabilities to serve agriculture partners in the Brazilian market. The company will soon complete the installation of state-of-the-art prototyping, analytical, and testing capabilities to deliver novel formulations for crop inputs that focus on data-driven insights to drive product innovation, ensure regulatory compliance and maintain consistent quality to help customers stay ahead of evolving market demands.

Milliken leverages decades of microencapsulation expertise to provide precision release mechanisms that enhance stability, extend shelf-life, and improve UV resistance for agrochemicals and biologicals. This technology increases efficacy through targeted delivery while minimizing runoff, which supports responsible farming practices.

The growth of ag biologicals in Brazil is rapid, influenced by favorable regulatory systems. More than half of farmers use bio inputs in some form, according to research from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA).

“Expanding our global footprint in encapsulation, especially focusing on Brazil’s growing agricultural biologicals segment, reflects Milliken’s commitment to leveraging science and technology to support the protection of natural resources through efficient and responsible application strategies,” said Cristina Neri, VP of Polymer Solutions at Milliken.

The new facility in Brazil marks the first expansion of Milliken’s unique Encapsys™ microencapsulation technology for agriculture outside its U.S. center of excellence in Appleton, Wisconsin. At both facilities, dedicated in-house R&D experts will streamline the journey from lab-scale innovation to full-scale manufacturing, handling a range of biodegradable chemistries compatible with both conventional and biological agriculture inputs.

Along with the laboratory capabilities, Milliken is expanding its partnerships with other agriculture innovators in Brazil. Milliken and IdeeLab, a Brazilian company specializing in the development of innovative biological solutions for agriculture, announced that they have entered into a non-exclusive agreement as partners dedicated to driving innovation in customer R&D programs. Milliken plans to work with IdeeLab to jointly leverage their technological capabilities to provide customers with more robust end-to-end solutions that will drive successful R&D outcomes across biological end markets.

IdeeLab is leading the development of responsible agricultural biological products in Brazil by advancing new technologies on behalf of customers for the crop input market and has recently unveiled its industrial-scale manufacturing facility in Brazil. Microencapsulation technology can bring stability in slurries, extend shelf life, bring UV and temperature resistance to the biologicals. Both companies will collaborate to speed-up projects that might bring unique solutions to Biological Brazilian market. Milliken will continue to add partners to further complement its offerings and enable more clients in Brazil to access the company’s cutting-edge solutions for modern agriculture.

Milliken and IdeeLab will participate in the upcoming Biocontrol and Biostimulants Latam conference in Campinas, Brazil from July 28 to July 30 to showcase their capabilities and highlight the synergies expected from their partnership. Additionally, Ryan Michaud, Global Product Leader at Milliken, will deliver a presentation highlighting the potential for encapsulation to improve performance and stability of ag biologicals.

Ronaldo Dalio, CEO of IdeeLab stated, "Working together with Milliken’s encapsulation technologies will help us accelerate innovation and enable both companies to deliver responsible solutions to Brazilian growers in a more efficient way. IdeeLab has been leading the development of the next generation of bio ag inputs in Brazil, and connecting to Milliken’s legacy will help us explore new routes for improving product field performance for our clients."

"IdeeLab has been inspiring a new era in Brazilian Agriculture, and we're thrilled to welcome them to our ecosystem,” noted Neri. “As Milliken expands our offering to better deliver ag biological product innovation for customers — especially next-generation biological products that are based on plant extracts, pheromones and microbials — partners like IdeeLab will enable us to do so with greater impact."

About Milliken

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About IdeeLab

IdeeLab Biotecnologia is a pioneering CDMO in agricultural biologicals in Brazil, integrating advanced scientific development with robust scale-up and manufacturing capabilities for high-performance bio-based products. Originating from the research of Prof. Dr. Sérgio F. Pascholati and Dr. Ronaldo JD Dalio, the company was founded to transform scientific discoveries into field-ready technologies in an efficient and sustainable way.

From microorganism discovery to industrial-scale production, IdeeLab delivers end-to-end solutions that help agribusinesses bring the next generation of biologicals to market faster and more reliably. Its modern infrastructure, expanded production capacity, and highly skilled team position the company as a strategic partner for global players seeking excellence in agricultural biotechnology.