ICL Presents Global Launch of Polysulphate

TEL AVIV, Israel, November 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

ICL (NYSE & TASE:ICL), a global manufacturer of products based on specialty minerals that fulfills essential needs of the world's growing population in the agriculture, processed food and engineered materials markets, presented the global launch of Polysulphate during the Argus FMB Fertilizer 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. 

Global availability in 2016 

Polysulphate is a 4-in-1 natural which is fully soluble - with all nutrients available for plant uptake. So, this relatively new fertilizer is therefore an ideal natural source for all crops but especially for brassicas, cereals, pulses, field vegetables, clover-rich grassland leys and silage crops. And - as it has no added chemicals - it means that it has also already been approved for use in organic agriculture in a number of European countries. The low chloride content also makes it ideal for chloride sensitive crops. Polysulphate is available in granular grade - for direct application and bulk blending - and also standard grade for direct application and NPK granulation. In 2016 we plan to be producing up to 600,000 tonnes, ensuring global availability of this fertilizer.

40% increase of crop yields 

ICL and users of Polysulphate are very excited about this new product, particularly as trials have shown that crop yields increase by up to 40% when Polysulphate is applied. And, with our commitment to the environment, this product has a low carbon footprint, which also helps growers achieve carbon targets demanded by retailers and some food processors.

4-in-1 natural fertilizer 

Mined in the UK at ICL's Boulby Mine, this naturally occurring fertilizer is found in the polyhalite layer of rock over 1,000 meters below the ground under the North Sea off the coast of North Yorkshire. Up until now, this mineral has laid beneath the earth's surface, deposited around 260 million years ago. The polyhalite layer is around 170 m deeper than our main potash seam at the Mine, which we have been mining for some years. However, Polysulphate contains not just potassium but three other essential plant nutrients: sulphur, magnesium and calcium, making it a 4-in-1 natural which is fully soluble.

New research highlights the benefits 

Several ongoing trials and studies around the world clearly show the effects and benefits of Polysulphate application in several kinds of crops, cereals, oilseed rape, peas, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflowers, calabrese and grassland. These trials were held in several countries with different climates and circumstances, such as the USA, Brazil, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, India, China and Vietnam.

Full details of several trials and studies can be seen on the website http://www.polysulphate.com.

About ICL  

ICL is a global manufacturer of products based on specialty minerals that fulfill humanity's essential needs primarily in three markets: agriculture, food and engineered materials.

ICL produces approximately a third of the world's bromine, and is the sixth largest potash producer, as well as the leading provider of pure phosphoric acid. It is a major manufacturer of specialty fertilizers, specialty phosphates and flame retardants. ICL's mining and manufacturing activities are located in Israel, Europe, the Americas and China, and are supported by global distribution and supply networks.

The agricultural products that ICL produces help to feed the world's growing population. The potash and phosphates that it mines and manufactures are used as ingredients in fertilizers and serve as an essential component in the pharmaceutical and food additives industries. The food additives that ICL produces enable people to have greater access to more varied and higher quality food. ICL's water treatment products supply clean water to millions of people as well industry around the world. Other substances, based on bromine and phosphates help to create energy that is more efficient and environmentally friendly, prevent the spread of forest fires and allow the safe and widespread use of a variety of products and materials.

ICL benefits from a number of unique advantages, including its vertically integrated activities and complementary and synergistic downstream operations for the production of unique end products; its balanced and varied product portfolio in growing markets; broad presence throughout the world and proximity to large markets, including in emerging regions.

ICL operates within a strategic framework of sustainability that includes a commitment to the environment, support of communities in which ICL's manufacturing operations are located and where its employees live, and a commitment to all its employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.

ICL is a public company whose shares are dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). 46% of ICL's equity is held by Israel Corp., 13.8% by Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan and the remainder by the public.

The company employs approximately 14,000 people worldwide, and its sales in 2014 totaled US $6.1 billion. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.icl-group.com.

PRESS CONTACT                                                    
Amir Avramovitz
Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Tel: +972(3)6844477
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ICL