The inventor of the unique antifouling ingredient Selektope, I-Tech AB, has responded to strong market demand in Japan by enhancing its local supply chain arrangements, after signing an agreement with well-known chemicals trading company Nagase & Co.
To date, hundreds of Japanese vessels have been coated with antifoulings containing Selektope, but demand continues to grow strongly. Under the new agreement, I-Tech will continue to manage sales of Selektope in Japan while Nagase & Co will exclusively handle imports.
“Establishing this business relationship reflects the need to address increasing demand for our product in Japan and we are honoured to be working with such a highly reputed company in Nagase & Co,” said Philip Chaabane, CEO I-Tech AB.
The organic, non-metal compound Selektope is the only ingredient of its kind used in a marine antifouling application. It is characterised by high efficacy at extremely low concentrations (approx.0.1% w/w), ultra-low leaching and flexibility and can boost the performance of copper-based paint formulations or replace copper completely. Due to the low concentration required, Selektope does not compromise the chemical structure, colour or other cooperative biocides of a marine coating.
Nagase & Co is a chemicals trading firm, founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1832. I-Tech AB is a Gothenburg-based biotech company that has developed and marketed the unique antifouling ingredient Selektope since 2006.