SIBUR develops new agricultural solution that helps increase crop yields and harvesting efficiency by up to one-third

22 April 2026. Scientists at the SIBUR PolyLab applied development centre have developed and tested a new solution for the agricultural sector: an adhesive based on styrene-acrylic dispersion designed to protect crop pods from premature cracking. The technology helps reduce crop losses and improve harvesting efficiency.

Improving cultivation efficiency and crop preservation, including through the use of synthetic materials, is one of the key development areas of the agro-industrial sector and one of SIBUR’s strategic focuses. The Company co-operates with agricultural industry participants to create practical solutions that help reduce losses and improve production sustainability.

The developed adhesive is intended for treating pods of cruciferous crops such as rapeseed and mustard, as well as legumes including peas, soybeans, lentils and chickpeas. When applied using sprayers, the adhesive dries quickly and forms a uniform polymer film across the entire pod surface. The resulting film prevents premature pod opening caused by wind, sharp temperature fluctuations and precipitation, due to its moisture resistance. The adhesive dispersions are safe for plants, do not affect seed quality, and have no negative impact on soil, the environment or human health.

The use of the adhesive also improves harvesting efficiency by enabling direct combine harvesting without additional field preparation and without the risk of machinery clogging.

Kermen Bovaldinova, PhD in Chemistry and Director of Product Development at SIBUR PolyLab, commented:

“We tested the styrene-acrylic dispersion on winter and spring rapeseed, as well as peas and soybeans. Research results showed an increase in biological yield due to seed preservation of up to 28% for rapeseed and up to 15% for peas. Compared to untreated fields, the share of cracked pods decreased from 12.50% to 3.74% for rapeseed and from 8.20% to 2.02% for peas.

The use of synthetic materials enables agricultural producers to better manage weather-related risks and improve harvest predictability. During the adhesive development process, special attention was paid to farmers’ practical needs and adaptation of the product to real application conditions. The trial results confirm the technology’s potential for reducing harvest losses in rapeseed and legume crops and create a basis for scaling the solution across different climate zones and farming systems. Subject to confirmation in expanded field trials, the pod adhesive may become an effective technological tool for significantly reducing crop losses and will be offered to a broad range of agricultural producers in Russia.”

SIBUR’s polymer solutions for the agro-industrial sector are already used in crop production, livestock farming, irrigation and fisheries. The Company’s portfolio of applied developments includes products and technologies aimed at increasing the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness, as well as possessing export potential.