Advanced Formulation Services (AFS)

Transforming Ideas into Market-Ready Products

At Stepan Advanced Formulation Services (AFS), we collaborate closely with clients to bridge the gap between research and commercial success. From custom formulations to market positioning, our team ensures every product is ready for launch with precision, speed, and impact. Acting as an extension of your R&D team, we provide the expertise, tools, and support you need to turn ideas into high-performance, market-ready solutions.

Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Needs

The process begins with a deep dive into your business objectives, challenges, and market requirements. We align with your product vision and identify potential hurdles early. Whether you’re targeting a niche market or seeking to scale quickly, we gather the information needed to develop a clear formulation strategy.

 

• Define objectives and timelines

• Identify challenges and regulatory considerations

• Scope out market positioning needs

 

    

Custom Formulation: Tailored Solutions for Your Product

Our experts leverage technical acumen and over 100 years of industry experience to develop formulations specifically aligned with your goals. Whether it’s creating new formulations or optimizing existing ones, we use data-driven insights to ensure product performance. We explore multiple options to identify the best solution for stability, functionality, and market viability.

 

• Development of prototype formulations

• Stability and performance optimization

• Alignment with industry trends and regulatory standards

 

Developing High-Performing Crop Protection and Productivity Products

Creating high-performing products for crop protection and productivity requires excellence in formulation. While the active ingredient is crucial, product performance depends on more than just the Active Ingredient. The formulation transforms an active ingredient into a product suitable for plant protection (chemical and biological) and plant nutrition.

Active Ingredient Chemistry: The chemistry of the active ingredient, combined with the specific demands of the application, determines the most optimal formulation type. The active ingredient's physical, chemical, and biological properties and market requirements define and enhance the formulation.

Benefits of Best-in-Class Formulations

For Manufacturers:

  • Registrability: Easier to register with regulatory bodies.
  • Constant Quality: Ensures consistent product quality.
  • Reliable Production Process: Streamlined and dependable manufacturing.

 

 

For Farmers:

  • Rain Fastness: Remains effective even after rainfall.
  • Tank Mix Compatibility: Compatible with other products in tank mixes.
  • Multiple Application Systems: Versatile for various application systems.
  • Good Biological Efficacy: Effectively controls pests and diseases or enhances crop growth.
  • No Phytotoxicity: Does not harm plants.
  • Long Shelf Life: Stable and effective over an extended period.
  • Convenient and Safe to Use: Easy and safe for farmers to handle and apply.

Validating Product Quality and Performance

Testing ensures your product meets the highest standards before launch. We design and conduct tailored trials, including seed germination and greenhouse testing for agricultural products. Our rigorous approach ensures every formulation is validated for performance, safety, and efficacy. Through transparent reporting, we provide actionable insights to support marketing claims and build customer trust.

 

• Tailored testing protocols (e.g., greenhouse or efficacy trials)

• Comprehensive performance data

• Recommendations for improvements and final adjustments

 

Scale-Up Support: Seamless Transition from Lab to Market

Bringing a product to market requires careful coordination. We guide the transition from lab formulations to commercial production, ensuring scalability without compromising quality. Our team collaborates with your manufacturing partners to ensure a smooth handoff, providing ongoing support through troubleshooting and optimization.

 

• Scale-up process design and oversight

• Coordination with manufacturing partners

• Post-launch support for market adjustments

Formulating with Biological Actives and Water-Soluble Fertilizers

Stepan stands out from other companies in the formulation of Biological Actives and Water-Soluble Fertilizers. We have a deep understanding of the unique challenges these formulations present and are fully equipped to tackle them effectively.

Biological Actives Formulation Challenges

•Extended Shelf-life: Maximizing product viability.

•Advanced Formulation Techniques: Tailored to meet specific needs.

•Technical Performance: Delivering reliable and consistent results.

 

 

Water-Soluble Fertilizers Formulation Challenges

•Solubility: Achieving perfect dissolution for maximum efficacy.

•Stability: Maintaining product integrity over time.

•Innovative Formulation: Custom solutions for diverse applications.

•Technical Performance: Ensuring superior performance in various conditions.

 

Why Partner with Stepan AFS?

Client-Focused Partnership

We act as an extension of your R&D team, offering transparent communication and actionable insights.

Speed to Market

Our agile approach ensures fast delivery without sacrificing quality, helping you stay ahead of the competition.

Risk Mitigation & Expertise

With over 50 years of experience, we guide you away from costly trial-and-error processes.

Comprehensive Services & Support

From development to market entry, we provide full-spectrum support with complete transparency.

Solution-Oriented Approach

We use the best technology for your specific needs, ensuring each solution aligns with your goals.

 

Customer Success Story

Major Chemical Company Partners with Stepan to Deliver a New Eco-Friendly Product to Market

After seeing success with a specific solvent in pre-emergent formulations, a manufacturer partnered with Stepan Advanced Formulation Services (AFS) to develop application data and potential formulations for future customers to improve market adoption.