A bio-tech company shaping the future of marine antifouling coatings

The use of Selektope is at risk in the EU. Initiated by an incorrect interpretation of the substance as being endocrine disruptive (detailed further in the section below), a fundamentally flawed Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) could be the final factor hindering the use of Selektope in the EU.  

The AoA, developed by competent authorities and approved by ECHA to assess the need for Selektope in the EU, concludes incorrectly that most antifouling biocides in the EU and several non-biocidal technologies can be used to stop barnacle fouling.  

Despite several efforts to correct this misunderstanding by I-Tech, paint manufacturers and other industry stakeholders, the conclusion remains, and the Commission has thus far declined to revise the AoA conducted for Selektope. 

The fact that Selektope, a barnacle-repelling marine biocide with a highly selective mode of action, is unique in the efficacy it delivers against hard fouling has not been considered.