The transition towards faster biodegradable coatings for controlled release fertilisers is moving closer. With new European legislation coming into force in October 2028, ICL Growing Solutions is preparing for a new generation of coating technology.

ICL will once again take part in IPM ESSEN, the world’s leading trade fair for horticulture, held from 27–30 January 2026 at Messe Essen, Germany. The event brings together exhibitors from 45 nations and attracts tens of thousands of professional visitors from across the global green sector.

January 2025 in Essen was again the time and place where the horticulture industry gathered to start the new season.

The EU has extended the transition period for coated fertilizers, giving the industry more time to develop biodegradable coating technologies that meet both agronomic and environmental goals.

26th January 2024 was the last day of the 40th IPM ESSEN, the International Plant Fair that continues to make history.

Welcome to a new The Green Times magazine! This edition is packed with inspiration to shape a greener and more efficient future for nurseries.

ICL Growing Solutions invests in a pilot production line to accelerate the development and testing of the next generation of Osmocote controlled-release fertilizer technology

27th January was the last day of IPM ESSEN 2023. This world’s leading trade fair for horticulture was held again after two years of a pandemic break.

Research by Wageningen University & Research in The Netherlands shows the beneficial effects of using controlled release fertilizers in pot plants.

With over 50 years of experience, ICL has now developed the fifth generation of innovative controlled-release fertilizers: Osmocote 5. The future of stronger and healthier plants is hidden in each of its small granules. With ingenious OTEA-system and brand new NutriMatch-Release technology growers get access to an advanced level of fertilizers, offering exceptional plant health and leaf color. Growers worldwide, who tested the impact of Osmocote 5 on their plants, are enthusiastic.

How innovation and research are helping preserve the benefits of controlled release fertilizers under EU 2019/1009.

New biodegradability requirements are driving the next generation of controlled release fertilizer technologies.