Our Journey
Over the years, a number of notable research initiatives from our businesses have resulted in products that have reduced environmental impact and at the same time have maintained the "in-service" performance required by our customers.
1993 International's laboratories begin development of TBT-free self-polishing antifoulings with reduced environmental impact.
1997 Protective Coatings launched global Ecotech® initiative promoting increased use of environmentally sensitive coatings.
1998 First high-performance water-based antifouling launched in the yacht market.
1999 Intersleek® 700, the first foul-release system for deep sea scheduled ships. Revolutionary low surface energy coatings technology controls fouling without the use of biocides.
2001 Protective Coatings design a VOC calculator for open use on its web site. AkzoNobel successfully completes Product Stewardship pilot and issues business-wide directive for global implementation by the beginning of 2003.
2002 Marine Coatings launches Interswift 655, the first hybrid TBT-free self-polishing antifouling system.
2003 International becomes the first major marine coatings supplier to completely withdraw from the supply of coatings containing TBT.
2004 Interplate Zero, a technologically advanced, water-based shop primer with zero VOCs.
2006 International becomes the first major marine coatings supplier to totally withdraw from the supply of coatings containing coal tar.
2007 Intersleek 900 system, a fluoropolymer antifouling technology offering improved fuel saving possibilities to vessel owners. The Yacht business introduces a Solvent Emissions inventory and reporting tool for European customers.
2009 Intersmooth 7465HS SPC, a next-generation higher-solids, lower-VOC self-polishing antifouling.
- 2010 International launches Environmental Scorecard, an important tool to evaluate the overall environmental impact of products across their entire lifecycle in terms of climate change, VOC content, potential toxicity of raw materials and waste production. It will help promote the sustainable development and production of products with a minimum impact on the environment.