Beginning in the year 2000, and still ongoing, a development program entitled “Research and Development to Commercialize an Innovative Line of Environmentally Preferable Paints and Coatings for the Marine and Aquaculture Industry” was funded by Flexdel Corp. and a TTCP grant from the State of New Jersey – Commission on Science and Technology, under Granter #02-2042-010-04.

The Purpose of this program was to further reduce and ultimately eliminate all copper from marine antifouling products and to develop and commercialize effective substitutes for TBTO – containing antifouling paints.

The result of this work is a new generation of Flexdel’s Aquagard products, some of which may have been registered as anti-foulants with the U.S. EPA (These products are now clearly marked as an Enviro-Friendly Product), as well as silicone release type products for the replacement of traditional paints containing TBTO. Flexdel’s environmentally friendly products contribute to keeping the air and water clean, especially in the sensitive areas of marinas and estuaries. In particular, these Aquagard products are EPA registered.

Flexdel introduced the Aquagard product line with rave reviews and high ratings (powerboat Reports, 2003). These products are presently being successfully used and sold commercially. The product works and is EPA registered.

Flexdel’s Aquagard products are considered “Environmentally Preferable” because they release low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metals compared to other competing products.

Flexgard XI Waterbase Bottom Paintproduct - Safety Data Sheet