Seed Colorant Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The seed colorant market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.02%, reaching US$1,575.413 million in 2028 from US$896.246 million in 2021.

Seed colorants are dyes and pigments coated on the seed's skin to differentiate them based on application and seed treatment. To distinguish distinct brands, uses, genetic features, and technological advancements, many marketed row crop, vegetable, grass, and flower seeds are sold with colored coatings. Regulatory bodies like EPA have also made it mandatory to use certain colors to coat the seeds. A few examples of common seed coat colors include red, green, and blue pigments.

When large amounts of seeds are handled, seed colorants are used to decrease dust management and improve seed flowability. Additionally, they can be used to increase seed-to-soil contact, seedling emergence, and seedling survival by acting as efficient, highly sticky transporters for seed treatments. Seed colorants also improve the bulk density of the seeds for fly-over applications of grass seeds from aircraft, resulting in less wind drift and more precision for cover cropping. Therefore growing demand for seed treatment, along with progress in seed technology, is contributing to the global market expansion. The population boom has resulted in burgeoning demand for food crops and grains, positively contributing to global market operations. In addition, the rising use of non-GMO and hybrid seeds has provided massive opportunities for key market players in this industry.

Even though the seed colorant market is witnessing high growth; however, high prices, lack of knowledge, and stringent rules by regulatory bodies regarding the use of specific and chemicalized colors are hampering the growth of the global market during the projection period.

Rapid advancement in seed treatment and technology is contributing to the global seed colorant market growth.

Significant population growth has led to a huge demand for high-yielding, nutritious food crops and grains to feed society. This has led to a growing demand for chemically treated seeds to protect them from any pest attacks as huge amounts of crops are lost due to pest attacks. FAO estimates that between 20 and 40 percent of the world's crop yield is lost each year to pests. Plant diseases cost the world economy over US$220 billion annually, and invasive insects cost the economy about US$70 billion. Seed colorants protect the seed from dust and other microbes and are usually applied to insecticide-treated seeds.

Favorable government schemes and policies have raised awareness among farmers regarding seed treatment and technologies. For instance, to ensure that all major crops receive 100 percent seed treatment, the Indian government launched a nationwide campaign, schemes, and policies under organizations from the pesticide industry, including the Agricultural Technology Management Agency, Central Integrated Pest Management Centres, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and NGOs.

Key market players have also launched various seed dyes and pigments to meet the growing demand for seed colorants. For instance, the next generation of coating polymers for seed treatments, Flo Rite Pro 2805, was introduced by the global chemical powerhouse BASF in June 2021. It was created to increase the adherence and retention of active chemicals.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the global seed colorant market throughout the forecast period.

North American region is anticipated to hold a substantial market share in seed colorant. This region will experience rapid expansion throughout the projection period due to the rapid progress and seed treatment and coating technologies. This region's market is also expanding due to the growing demand for high-yielding and nutritious food crops and grains. Moreover, stringent and mandatory rules regarding the correct use of color on seed coats are also propelling the demand for seed colorants, fueling regional market expansion. The mandated use of seed colorants on treated seeds by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the increased demand for high-value seeds are the main drivers of the Canadian seed colorant market's expansion. In addition, the prevalence of key market players such as Incotec, Clariant, Keystone Aniline Corporation, BASF, and others also spur the growth of seed colorants in this region.

Market Developments:

• In February 2023, Olimax Group acquired the French agriculture biotech company Bois Valor, an expert in seed treatments, foliar biostimulants, and seed coating technology. By combining its bio-sourced solutions for soil and plant health and seed preservation portfolio with this purchase, Olmix hopes to accelerate its growth and help transition to more sustainable agriculture models in fast-changing social, energy, and climatic conditions.
• In July 2021, Solvay announced the acquisition of Bayer’s seed coating business. The company's research and development expertise for on-seed formulations and its seed coating and improvement products, including Peridiam, fluency powders, Certop, Pro-Ized Pigment, and Talkum, are renowned worldwide. All product lines, R&D initiatives, and the business line's global toll operations have now been moved to Solvay from the Méréville factory.

Market Segmentation:

By Application

• Preharvest
• Pre and Postharvest

By Formulation

• Powder
• Liquid

By Crop Type

• Grains and Cereals
• Oil Seeds
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Turf and Ornamentals

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others