Research & Development

As far as Tradecorp is concerned, ensuring that the micronutrients and speciality fertilisers it manufactures are of top quality and reducing risks to the environment are an absolute priority. As a result, Tradecorp is researching and analysing the latest state-of-the art processes for manufacturing chelates and other speciality fertilisers in its two production plants, located in Ávila and Albacete (Spain).

Our plant in Ávila (Spain) is one of the few centres in the world that has the appropriate technology to synthesize and manufacture the EDDHA chelating agent. Over the past years, we have been expanding our production capacity by six times and improved the synthesizing and manufacturing process related to Ultraferro®, iron EDDHA chelate, improving its quality and the contents in the ortho-ortho isomer. The flexibility of the production centres has enabled the development of the Tradecorp® AZ range (an EDTA chelated essential micronutrient mixture, obtained through chemical mixes, perfect for balanced hydroponic solutions and vegetables). This has allowed Tradecorp to develop specific mixes for each client, adapted to local agronomic requirements and conditions.

Our other centre, located in Albacete, is the facility where the other range of products are manufactured: humic acids; bio-nutrients & amino acids; liquid & foliar fertilisers and special correctors. Furthermore, Tradecorp was the pioneer in manufacturing humic acid (branded as Humistar® and Humifirst®) in Spain almost 25 years ago, accumulating its vast range of experience. In 1994, we installed the first low biuret urea (branded as Folur®) production capacity in Spain.

Tradecorp also works in close co-operation with universities and research centres all over the world. We are making significant investments into field trials in association with official entities and prestigious centres, such as the C.I.V.C. in France, the University Pontificia of Chile, EMBRAPA in Brazil, Redebel in Belgium, to name but a few.

Our R+D department employs qualified personnel who are responsible for evaluating and analysing all new products and finding new areas of research which will enable us to develop useful and innovative formulae for the future. We have carried out important investments over the past few years in the modernization of our facilities and have reinforced our R&D programmes. Our laboratories are among those chosen by the C.E.N. (European Standardization Committee) for the validation of new analytical methods. The importance we attach to innovation has been led to the certification of our R&D Department by AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification).

All Tradecorp products are subjected to the strictest quality controls throughout the development, manufacturing and marketing processes. Periodic tests are conducted throughout the entire product manufacturing process. This ensures that we can guarantee the end-product is of top quality. Tradecorp is a company committed to Quality and the Environment. An example of Tradecorp’s comittment to Quality and Environment is the implementation of quality and environment systems. During 2005 the company accomplished the process of implementing an Integrated Quality and Environmental Management System in accordance with the ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 standards. This led to the achievement of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004, through the Norwegian entity Det Norske Veritas (DNV), accredited by ENAC (National Accreditation Entity).

Through this IMS, Tradecorp proves to its customers and to society in general its commitment to:
• Strict observance of current legislation.
• Ongoing improvement of processes, activities, products and services.
• Ongoing improvement in environmental actions, based on the pollution prevention principle, optimising water, energy and raw material consumption and in management targeted at reducing waste.
• Audit performance by third parties to check whether each activity, product or service is continuously improved and managed safely for the environment.