A coated seed can carry a functional treatment, a visual identifier or both. When the requirement is a distinctive silver shimmer rather than a flat colour, a mica-based pearl pigment can add reflected sparkle to a compatible coating system.
Why consider a pearl pigment?
Conventional colourants mainly provide colour. Pearl pigments use flat, metal-oxide-coated mica flakes to reflect light. As coated seeds move under changing light, the flakes can produce a visible shimmer that helps a specialty batch stand apart.
The effect is visual. EMS163 is not presented as an active seed treatment and does not replace any pesticide-treatment colourant, label or other requirement that applies in the destination market.
Is pearl pigment the same as seed-coating polymer?
No. The polymer or binder forms the film that holds coating components on the seed. Pearl pigment is one possible visual component inside that system. EMS supplies EMS163 as a dry silver effect pigment; the seed treater or formulator selects and validates the polymer, other ingredients and complete application process.
What appearance can pearl pigment provide?
Seed colours may be flat, metallic or pearlescent. EMS163 is specifically intended for formulators who want a bold silver sparkle. It is not the right choice when the brief calls for a smooth, low-glitter or conventional flat colour.
Why EMS163 for high glitter?
EMS163 is the grade to screen when the target brief specifically asks for “high glitter and shimmer silver.” Its larger reflective flakes create a stronger sparkle than a fine satin-grade pigment.
That same particle size means the formulator must check whether the pigment stays suspended and passes through the selected pump, nozzle, atomiser, coating pan or other application equipment.
Seven checks before commercial use
How to start an EMS163 trial
Share the seed type, binder system, coating process, equipment and target appearance with EMS. Start with a laboratory sample, compare multiple addition levels and move to a pilot run only after the coating meets visual, mechanical and biological requirements.
For a concise product recommendation and trial checklist, visit the pearl pigment for seed coating application page.
Frequently asked questions
What is pearl pigment for seed coating?
It is a mica-based visual-effect pigment evaluated as part of a compatible seed-coating formulation to create shimmer or metallic reflection. It does not form the coating film by itself.
Which EMS grade should I test for a high-glitter silver effect?
Start by evaluating EMS163 Silver Nova. Its 40–200 micron reflective flakes are intended to create a bold silver sparkle.
How is EMS163 applied to seeds?
EMS163 should first be screened in the selected polymer or binder. Confirm wetting, suspension and equipment compatibility, then validate coating uniformity, adhesion and dust-off in a controlled trial. There is no universal addition rate for every system.
Can EMS163 be used on all seed types?
Do not assume universal compatibility. Test each seed type and complete formulation for handling, germination, vigour and applicable regulatory requirements before commercial use.
Is EMS163 safe for agricultural use?
EMS163 is supplied as a visual-effect pigment, but suitability and regulatory acceptance depend on the complete formulation, intended use and destination market. Review the current technical and safety documents and obtain any required approvals before use.
Does EMS recommend one universal addition rate?
No. The appropriate level depends on the binder, other ingredients, coating thickness, equipment and required appearance. Screen several levels in controlled trials.
How should EMS163 be stored?
Keep the original container sealed and follow the current EMS technical and safety documents supplied with the product. Protect the powder from contamination and conditions that could affect its free-flowing quality.
Does EMS provide formulation support?
Yes. Share the seed type, binder, equipment and appearance target so EMS can support sample selection and the initial EMS163 evaluation plan.
Are there regulations for seed colours?
Requirements vary by product type and market. The seed treater is responsible for checking rules covering treated-seed colour, labelling, active ingredients and other agricultural or environmental requirements in every destination market.
Can I request a sample?
Yes. B2B formulators and seed treaters can request a sample or paid evaluation quantity before considering standard 25 kg packaging.
Evaluate EMS163 in your seed-coating system
Tell EMS what seed, binder and application process you use, and the silver effect you want to achieve.
Request an EMS163 sample View seed-coating recommendation