Natur-Tec India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ:NTIC) and a pioneer in compostable biopolymers, and Bayer, a global leader in agricultural innovation, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop biodegradable and compostable seedling cups designed to transform nursery practices and advance sustainable agriculture.

The collaboration aims to eliminate single-use plastic nursery cups, while ensuring full compatibility with widely used nematicides and fungicides. The cups will be engineered to support seedling development during early growth stages, even when exposed to crop protection treatments, supporting uncompromised germination rates, root development, and seedling vigor. We believe this will allow farmers to benefit from effective crop protection and sustainable nursery practices without trade-offs.

The compostable seedling cups are designed to break down naturally within transplant cycles, eliminating nursery waste and supporting a circular economy. Drawing on Bayer's crop science capabilities and Natur-Tec's expertise in compostable biopolymers, the partnership delivers a solution that is as practical for farmers as it is sustainable for the planet.

Pilot trials will begin in vegetable and fruit nurseries across India, measuring germination, growth parameters, and yield outcomes. Following successful validation, both companies plan to scale the innovation across India and globally.

Simon Wiebusch, Country Divisional Head, Crop Science Division of Bayer for India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka said, "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing practical and cost-effective solutions that benefit farmers and strengthen farming ecosystems. It advances agricultural practices that are both scalable and sustainable, in line with Bayer's commitment to regenerative agriculture."