I-Tech AB, the biotech innovator behind the marine antifouling technology Selektope®, has teamed up with Guangdong Havey Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd. to push the boundaries of sustainable marine coatings. This isn’t just another partnership—it’s a strategic alliance with the potential to reshape the future of antifouling solutions.
The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and commercialize next-generation antifouling materials. Their goal? To create high-performance marine coatings that are not only effective but also kinder to the environment. This collaboration builds on successful R&D efforts since 2024, where preliminary validations of coating systems combining Selektope and biodegradable resin binders have already shown promising results.
The partnership isn’t stopping at R&D. I-Tech and Havey are also exploring the idea of a joint venture dedicated to boosting the availability of environmentally responsible marine coating ingredients. This includes biodegradable binders, a crucial component in marine coatings that can enhance antifouling performance and slash Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions.
Markus Jönsson, CEO of I-Tech, puts it succinctly: “At I-Tech, sustainability and technological breakthroughs go hand in hand. The collaboration with Havey opens new opportunities in our pursuit of commercialising more sustainable, next-generation antifouling solutions for the maritime industry.”
Zhishen (Jason) Dong, General Manager of Havey, echoes this sentiment: “We are excited to join forces with I-Tech. Together, we could provide the market with advanced, sustainable paint ingredient technologies that offer both effective antifouling protection and a reduced environmental footprint. Our combined expertise will position us at the forefront of green marine technology.”
The stakes are high. Binders are a chief component in coating systems, playing a pivotal role in determining the physical and chemical characteristics of marine paints. Increasing the use of biodegradable materials in these coatings is essential for the future of sustainable marine coatings. This partnership could very well set the standard for what’s possible in the industry.
As the maritime sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, innovations like these are more critical than ever. The collaboration between I-Tech and Havey isn’t just about developing new products—it’s about setting a new benchmark for sustainability and performance in marine coatings.