As global demand intensifies for healthier food products and more sustainable cultivation practices, conventional agriculture is gradually undergoing a transformation. Growing awareness of environmental impact, user safety, and consumer health is now taking center stage across the agricultural production chain—including the use of pesticides. 

In the past, the success of a pesticide was largely measured by how quickly it eliminated pests. Today, success is increasingly defined by how environmentally sound and human-safe a product can be. 

This shift calls for innovation at the formulation level. Many legacy pesticide formulations still rely on organic solvents that are toxic, volatile, and harmful to the environment. Their high evaporation rate and potential to cause irritation make them less suitable for long-term use. As a result, there is an urgent need for new formulation systems that remain effective while being more ecologically responsible. 

One solution that ticks all the right boxes is EW (Emulsion-in-Water) formulation—an aqueous-based system that not only eliminates the use of hazardous organic solvents but also delivers high formulation stability and strong field performance. 

What Is an EW Pesticide Formulation? 

An Emulsion-in-Water (EW) pesticide formulation is an emulsion in which oil-soluble active ingredients are dispersed into water with the aid of surfactants. This system makes it possible to create stable concentrates without the need for organic solvents. Its advantages lie in sustainability, ease of handling, and safety. 

Some key benefits of EW formulations include: 

  • Free from harmful solvents, reducing the risk of toxicity and environmental pollution. 
  • Stable during storage, even under high temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions. 
  • Easily dispersible in water, leaving no oily residue. 
  • Safer for applicators, due to lower exposure to volatile compounds. 

However, despite its promise, EW formulation requires careful technical considerations. One of the main challenges lies in maintaining emulsion stability while ensuring that the active ingredients remain effective during both storage and application. 

Optimal Synergy Between Emulsifiers and Wetting Agents 

There are three key ingredients that provide technical solutions to address the specific challenges of EW formulation: Disponil® LDBS 23 CN, Lutensol® T08, and Emulan® LVS. These additives are designed to work in synergy to create a stable, efficient, and safe emulsion system. 

1. Disponil® LDBS 23 CN: High-Performance Anionic Emulsifier 

Disponil® LDBS 23 CN is an anionic surfactant based on linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LABS), known for its excellent emulsification capability and good biodegradability. As the primary emulsifier, it helps to form stable and homogenous emulsions. 

Advantages: 

  • Effectively stabilizes oil-based active ingredients. 
  • Withstands high temperatures and environmental fluctuations. 
  • Compatible with various water-based formulation systems. 

2. Lutensol® T08: Versatile Non-Ionic Emulsifier 

Complementing the anionic surfactant, Lutensol® T08 functions as a non-ionic emulsifier that offers additional formulation stability. Thanks to its non-ionic nature, it provides broad flexibility in terms of pH range and active ingredient types. 

 Advantages: 

  • Stabilizes emulsions across various pH conditions. 
  • Compatible with a wide range of pesticide actives. 
  • Enhances the synergistic performance of surfactant systems. 

3. Emulan® LVS: Wetting Agent for Optimal Surface Coverage 

In field applications, the success of a pesticide often hinges on how well the solution spreads across the leaf surface. Emulan® LVS is a wetting agent that accelerates surface wetting and improves the even distribution of active ingredients over plant surfaces. 

Advantages: 

  • Promotes faster penetration of active ingredients into plant tissue. 
  • Minimizes run-off on leaf surfaces. 
  • Enhances contact efficiency between the pesticide and target pests. 

Field Applications and Long-Term Stability 

In practical use, EW formulations based on Disponil® LDBS 23 CN, Lutensol® T08, and Emulan® LVS have shown highly competitive performance. This combination creates emulsions that: 

  • Remain stable under extreme storage temperatures (up to 54°C). 
  • Resist phase separation after freeze-thaw cycles. 
  • Are highly compatible with various water qualities. 

These advantages make EW fomulation a top choice for formulators who prioritize both technical efficacy and compliance with environmental regulations. 

Emulsion-in-Water (EW) formulation is a clear, forward-looking step toward more environmentally responsible and sustainable agriculture. By eliminating the use of hazardous organic solvents, EW provides an effective solution for pest control—without compromising human health or environmental integrity. 

Solutions such as Disponil® LDBS 23 CN, Lutensol® T08, and Emulan® LVS, deliver the technical support needed to create pesticide formulations that are stable, eco-friendly, and efficient. 

For agricultural formulators, adopting EW formulation represents a critical step in responding to the mounting pressures of sustainability. It’s possible to develop pesticide products that not only perform reliably but also align with the growing global demand for health-conscious and environmentally sound farming practices. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.