I-Tech Expands Antifouling Portfolio as Selektope Demand Grows
Need to Know
- I-Tech acquired rights to a biologically derived, non-biocidal antifouling additive produced through microbial fermentation.
- Second-quarter net sales increased 86% to SEK 58.7 million, driven by greater adoption of Selektope-based antifouling coatings.
- The current EU approval for medetomidine has been extended through the end of 2026 while a proposed non-renewal remains under review.
I-Tech AB has acquired rights to a new biologically derived additive intended to expand the range of non-biocidal technologies available to antifouling coating formulators.
The additive is produced through microbial fermentation using a strain of a naturally occurring microorganism. According to I-Tech, the technology changes the physical characteristics of submerged surfaces in a way that discourages fouling organisms from settling on coatings containing the additive.
Potential applications include aquaculture net coatings, yacht coatings and antifouling systems for professional marine and industrial markets. I-Tech identified aquaculture as the technology’s most mature potential application.
The company said the additive has demonstrated promising results in laboratory studies and initial field testing. The technology remains at a medium stage of development, however, and commercial introduction will depend on further testing, customer validation and production scale-up.
The portfolio addition comes as I-Tech reports stronger demand for its established Selektope antifouling technology. Second-quarter net sales increased 86% year over year to SEK 58.7 million. Operating profit rose to SEK 21.4 million from SEK 4.7 million, resulting in an operating margin of 36%.
For the first six months of 2026, net sales increased 26% to SEK 111.4 million, while operating profit reached SEK 40 million. I-Tech attributed the performance to increased adoption of Selektope-based antifouling solutions and operating leverage.
The company reported first-half organic sales growth of 35% with Chugoku Marine Paints, 23% with Jotun and 20% with PPG.
I-Tech is also awaiting the outcome of an EU regulatory review involving medetomidine, the active substance in Selektope. The Standing Committee on Biocidal Products extended the substance’s current market approval through the end of 2026 to allow the review process to continue.
A European Commission draft implementing act issued in December 2025 proposed not renewing the approval. I-Tech said a World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade consultation began in July and that a committee vote could occur no earlier than late September, although the company considers the fourth quarter more likely. I-Tech said it has prepared to challenge a potential negative outcome.
The company’s acquisition of the non-biocidal technology broadens its portfolio while the Selektope review remains unresolved. The new additive is not yet commercially available.
For more developments affecting paint and coatings additives, explore PCI’s coverage.
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