Agriculture

IRM Waxes Used in Agriculture

Wax can be applied to large surface areas of fertilizer, crops, or other agricultural material as a means of dust and fines control. Such coating will also provide a degree of moisture protection as well. Paraffin, microcrystalline wax, and blends of the two are also chemically inert. This means they can provide a non-reactive, moisture free carrier system for active ingredients in agricultural applications.

IRM manufacturers FDA approved food grade specialty wax coatings utilized on the outer surface of fruits & vegetables and roots of various produce items. The wax is applied in a thin coating to protect the outer surface and roots to preserve freshness. These specialty formulations impart a flexible, pliable coating unlike paraffin, which is hard and brittle. The outer surface and roots of such produce are cut and peeled or cleaned prior to cooking or eating.

The wax also seals nutrients into the plant prior to planting. As a grafting wax, this specialty formulation protects the plant from drying after cuts are made. Wax is preferred to other adhesive products due to its flexible, pliable, adhesion promoting and water-resistant properties.

IRM provides a variety of waxes that can be used in the agricultural sectors. Paraffin, microcrystalline, and specialized blends of waxes can provide the following benefits to fertilizer and other agricultural applications: Time release coating Moisture and water barrier coating Biodegradable coating Dust and fine control Inert carrier for ingredients As regulations and other factors increase the sensitivity of fertilizer addition to the crop soil, time release coatings are one way to meet these challenges. Wax can be formulated in a manner to provide a hard, non-cracking, water resistant coating that breaks down over time allowing for the controlled release of active ingredients. Properties such as melt point and hardness and be altered to suit a manufacturers specific needs. Some waxes are also biodegradable if this requirement is needed. Wax can be applied to large surface areas of fertilizer, crops, or other agricultural material as a means of dust and fines control. Such coating will also provide a degree of moisture protection as well. Paraffin, microcrystalline wax, and blends of the two are also chemically inert. This means they can provide a non-reactive, moisture free carrier system for active ingredients in agricultural applications.