ABSTRACTThe blending of lignin with polyethylene glycol (PEG) allowed us to obtain formulations with controlled release properties in which metribuzin have been successfully trapped with encapsulation efficiency higher than 85%. Moreover, the modification of the lignin's viscoelastic properties by the addition of PEG led to obtain herbicide formulations with active ingredient contents lower than 15%, suitable for its application in soil. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated the compatibility between polymers and metribuzin in lignin‐based controlled release formulations (CRFs). Lignin‐based formulations were coated in a Wurster‐type fluidized‐bed equipment using ethylcellulose and dibutylsebacate. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed a homogeneous film in ethylcellulose‐coated CRFs. The kinetic release studies showed that the release rate of metribuzin was mainly controlled either by selecting the granule size of controlled release lignin‐PEG matrixes, or by changing the thickness of coating film for ethylcellulose coated CRFs. These results could help to increase the efficiency of delivery of the highly soluble herbicide metribuzin and prevent the environmental pollution derived from its use. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41422.