In the Netherlands, the WRF (Water Revolution Foundation) has just listed Awlgrip boat paints, distributed in France by AGL Marine, in its sustainable solutions database.

The Water Revolution Foundation is a Dutch non-profit foundation, founded in 2018 by the world's leading superyacht builders, with the aim of promoting sustainability in the global superyacht industry by reducing their environmental footprint.

The WRF has set up a repository of solutions that offer a real plus in this area, accessible via a unique database that has been acclaimed by builders and applicators alike, where each product listed has been thoroughly researched to avoid any greenwashing.

Following an in-depth study, the WRF selected the Awlgrip HDT range of paints for boats, which ‘combines the best performance and sustainable properties’.

This range of paints contains fewer volatile organic compounds than standard polyurethane paint. It is said to offer hardness, micro-scratch resistance and repairability, providing the key qualities that owners and applicators look for in a topcoat.

The WRF technical study looked at the life cycle of the product, including the resources used to purchase the raw materials, the production and application of the product, the waste generated in the production process, the emissions released and the life of the topcoat.

Matthew Anzardo, Global Head of the Yacht Segment at AkzoNobel, is proud of the WRF's recognition, as he tells ActuNautique Yachting Art: ‘For all our brands and businesses, we aim to reduce environmental impact through collaboration and innovation. Our aim is to combine the best performance with sustainability. The WRF's recognition and approval of Awlgrip HDT is testament to our innovation and commitment to more sustainable boating.

Alexey Shifman of the WRF added: "The superyacht industry depends on the health of our oceans.  We have tested the environmental impact of Awlgrip HDT using internationally recognised LCA methodology (ISO14040) and compared it to the existing Awlgrip Topcoat. The comparative LCA study is a global assessment of a product throughout its life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to the final stage of disposal and recycling. This assessment revealed significant reductions in several categories of environmental impact. For example, compared with the traditional product, the global warming potential has improved by almost 41%, the water stress index by 51% and NOx and SOx emissions by 45% and 40% respectively. We can confirm that Awlgrip HDT has been independently verified to contribute to improved efficiency, reduced environmental impact and cleaner processes compared to traditional products."