“How do I choose a bottom paint with a reduced environmental impact?”
Ask the Experts...
Whether you are a boat owner applying your own paint or you’re a boat yard that applies
paint for a living, we all – as individuals and companies – have an interest in keeping our
boating environment healthy, prosperous, safe and simply a pleasurable experience.
By considering the environment in our day to day activities, we can examine ways of
reducing our overall environmental footprint. Today, the topic is bottom paint and how to
choose product(s) that deliver the results that are important to you. Look for products with
multiple improvement* options such as:
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Rusty Rutherford
Regional Sales Manager
Reduced Solvent Content: a lower solvent content in the paint will reduce the amount
of organic compound emitted into the air. Normally, you would also get a thicker film and
improved longevity from a ‘high solids’ bottom paint
� Polishing Action: with self smoothing characteristics an ablative paint will maximize on fuel
efficiencies and the right product will help reduce green house gases by consuming less fuel
� Copper-free Formulation: Copper occurs naturally in all waters around the world and while high
concentration levels can be harmful to humans and the environment, copper is an essential
micronutrient to life and a certain amount is essential for the well-being of animals, including
humans**. The accumulation of copper in some marinas has led to the demand for products
that can help boat yards reduce the overall copper content collected when hauling & pressure
washing boats. A copper free product can be suitable for professionals and consumers alike
Pacifica Plus from Interlux may just be the paint for you. Pacifica Plus is formulated with the
latest biocide technology Econea™, which allows for a decrease in total biocidal content without
compromising on performance. Even though we have added Biolux® technology to deter slime,
Pacifica Plus contains approximately 80% less active biocide ingredients than other leading
antifouling paints.
The product is the perfect choice for boat owners and boat yards seeking to reduce their
environmental footprint.
For even greater environmental improvement, Interlux also offers Intersleek 900, a metal-free,
bioicide-free reduced emissions coating. Professionally applied by boat yards, Intersleek 900 is
a foul release system with super low surface friction, leading to great fuel efficiencies if properly
maintained.
* Compared to standard, old fashioned hard and ablative antifoulings.
** For further details see the summary provided by the National Paints and Coatings Association
on the ‘Boating and the Environment’ section of Interlux www.yachtpaint.com
®, Interlux®, the AkzoNobel logo and other products mentioned are registered trademarks of, or licensed to, AkzoNobel. © Akzo Nobel N.V. 2009.
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