Arkema and its partners have reported that Pragati, the world’s first sustainable castor bean program, has seen substantial growth since its implementation in 2016. Hydrogenated castor oil is a multipurpose ingredient for many industrial applications. It is an essential additive due to its ability to reduce atmospheric moisture pick-up during handling and mixing. It is used for many adhesive and sealant applications. Deodorized castor oil is used as a drying agent in paints, varnishes, hard-finish coatings, printing inks, and oilcloth manufacturing.
Over 7,000 farmers are now certified by the program. Individual farmer yield has increased substantially. Over 7,000 hectares of generally semi-arid land are now repeatedly farmed according to the SuCCESS sustainability code. Arkema, BASF, Jayant Agro-Organics, and implementation partner Solidaridad, have committed to Phase 3 of Pragati, from 2023-2026. The next phase of the project will continue to support sustainable farming with a special focus on increased representation of women in agriculture, and improved water management techniques in the farming communities.