AMSTERDAM – The Water Revolution Foundation has entered AkzoNobel’s Awlgrip coatings into its Sustainable Solution database. It is the first topcoat brand to be rated as sustainable by the non-profit WRF, an initiative of the global superyacht industry.
AkzoNobel says Awlgrip HDT offers “unrivaled durability” and color retention, and its entry into the WRF Database of Sustainable Solutions enables builders and applicators to find the most environmentally conscious products for superyachts.
Founded in 2018, WRF drives sustainability and change in the superyacht industry through collaboration and innovation. The group works to neutralize the superyacht sector’s ecological footprint to help preserve the world’s oceans.
The WRF said it put Awlgrip High-Definition Technology into its Database of Solutions, calling it an “eco-friendly alternative to standard topcoat products (that) delivers cutting-edge performance while substantially reducing impact compared to its previous version.”
Awlgrip has reduced solvent in its coatings and lower volatile organic compounds than a standard polyurethane topcoat.
“We are extremely proud to make history with having the first topcoat to be verified on the WRF’s Database of Sustainable Solutions,” said Matthew Anzardo, Global Yacht Segment Manager at AkzoNobel’s Yacht Coatings.
“WRF’s recognition and support of our product is a testament to our innovation and commitment to more sustainable yachting.”
The WRF awarded Awlgrip HDT its stamp of approval after analyzing the product’s life cycle and evaluating resources used in sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, and applying the product, alongside the waste generation, airborne emissions and longevity of the topcoat.
WRF’s Alexey Shifman said: “The superyacht industry relies on the health of our oceans. By working with forward-thinking partners that support our foundation, like AkzoNobel, we are making concrete steps to neutralize the sector’s footprint, preserve the world’s precious oceans and ensure 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 compared to Business As Usual product Awlgrip Topcoat.
“The LCA comparative study is a holistic assessment of a product during all life periods: from raw materials extraction to its final life stage of disposal and recycling.”
