Swedish biotech innovator I-Tech AB has developed a new drop-in, dust-free dissolvable packaging system to enhance the way the antifouling active agent Selektope^® is added to marine coatings during the manufacturing process.

The expanded polystyrene (EPS) container, which can be added to paint without being opened, fully dissolves almost instantaneously without leaving any traces in the coating system. This innovative packaging therefore allows for the dust free charging of 100% Selektope powder material to a liquid paint batch, eliminating dust formation completely. It also allows the paint manufacturer to make optimal use of available Selektope and improves safety in the paint processing plant.

Each EPS container is supplied within a CurTec HDPE screw lid jar with locking mechanism making it durable with improved impact resistance for transport. The complete EPS container system can hold 300-800g of medetomidine (the chemical name for Selektope) as a dry powder within a very low weight (18g) EPS container.

The formal launch of the EPS container follows extensive testing with the packaging having been qualified for use during the manufacturing process without compromising paint performance.   

Selektope is the organic, non-metal compound whose efficiency in preventing barnacle fouling has enabled traditional marine coatings suppliers to develop products that deliver superior hard fouling protection, lower water resistance, decreased fuel consumption, and reduced maintenance costs. Characterized by high efficacy at extremely low concentrations (0.1% w/w) with ultra-low leaching, the biocide repels barnacle settlement on ships’ hulls by temporarily stimulating the barnacle larvae’s swimming behavior.

Visit www.i-tech.se.