Akzonobel’s Awlgrip HDT to receive accolade from Water Revolution Foundation

Akzonobel’s Awlgrip HDT is the first high performance yacht topcoat to receive the sustainable solution accolade from Water Revolution Foundation

AkzoNobel’s Awlgrip® yacht coatings is the first topcoat finish to be verified as a Sustainable Solution by the Water Revolution Foundation (WRF).

Awlgrip HDT, which offers unrivalled durability and exceptional colour retention, has been added to the WRF’s Database of Sustainable Solutions to enable builders and applicators to find the most environmentally conscious products for superyachts.

WRF is a not for profit organisation established in 2018 with the goal of driving sustainability and change in the superyacht industry through collaboration and innovation, leading the way towards neutralising its ecological footprint and preserving the world’s oceans.

The Awlgrip topcoat helps to deliver on the goal of reducing the environmental impact of solutions, combining the best of performance and sustainable attributes to elevate builders’ creations. It has reduced solvent in its formulation and has lower VOC when compared to a standard polyurethane topcoat, being VOC compliant considering even the most stringent legislations.

Awlgrip HDT is the best performing topcoat in the range that outshines rival products with its high gloss and excellent distinction of image. The high definition topcoat combines hardness and micro-scratch resistance with reparability, uniting the key benefits owners and applicators want in a topcoat.

Awlgrip HDT was given the Sustainable Solution stamp of approval by WRF after a rigorous analysis into the product’s life cycle, including the evaluation of the resources used in sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, and applying the product, alongside the waste generation, airborne emissions and longevity of the topcoat.

Matthew Anzardo, Global Yacht Segment Manager at AkzoNobel’s Yacht Coatings, said: “We are extremely proud to make history with having the first topcoat to be verified on the WRF’s Database of Sustainable Solutions.

“Across our brands and business, we share the same goal of reducing the environmental impact of coatings solutions through collaboration and innovation, combining the best of performance and sustainability.

“WRF’s recognition and support of our product is testament to our innovation and commitment to more sustainable yachting.”

Alexey Shifman, from the Water Revolution Foundation, said: “The superyacht industry relies on the health of our oceans. By working together with the forward-thinking partners that support our foundation, like AkzoNobel, we are making concrete steps to neutralise the sector’s footprint, preserve the world’s precious oceans and ensure that we have a sustainable business for the future.

“Employing the internationally acknowledged LCA methodology, (ISO14040), the comparative study rigorously assessed the environmental impact of AkzoNobel’s innovative Awlgrip HDT in comparison to Business As Usual product Awlgrip Topcoat.

“The LCA comparative study is a holistic assessment of a product during all life period: starting from raw materials extraction until its final life stage of disposal and recycling.

“The assessment unveiled a significant reduction in various environmental impact categories, ranging from 41% to 56%. Specifically, the Global Warming Potential improved in comparison to traditional product by almost 41%, Water Stress Index by 51%, and NOx & SOx by 45% and 40% respectively.

We therefore confirm that Awlgrip HDT has been third-party verified to contribute to increased efficiency, reduction of environmental impact, and cleaner processes in comparison to traditional product.”

For more information, visit awlgrip.com