Our Continued Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, respect for human rights and responsible business conduct, Maflon S.p.A. continues to actively engage in the corporate sustainability assessment conducted by EcoVadis, the globally recognized standard for sustainability ratings.

EcoVadis evaluates companies across 21 sustainability criteria, grouped into four key areas: Environment, Labour Practices and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Purchasing. This comprehensive and rigorous assessment allows organizations to objectively measure and continuously improve their sustainability performance.

From Bronze to Silver: A Significant Step Forward

Following our first EcoVadis assessment completed on August 28, 2024, Maflon achieved an overall score of 65/100, earning the Bronze Medal.
We are proud to announce that, in the most recent assessment, our score has further improved, allowing Maflon to reach Silver Medal status.

This progression represents a tangible acknowledgment of the concrete actions and structured initiatives implemented over the past year, confirming the effectiveness of our sustainability strategy and our commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Strengths and Ongoing Development

In the environmental area, Maflon has strengthened its policies and actions related to materials, chemicals and waste management, while continuing to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts have contributed significantly to our improved performance, while also highlighting areas where further progress can be achieved.

Regarding Labour Practices and Human Rights, we have reinforced our commitment to employee health and safety, training programs and professional development. Creating a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment remains a central pillar of our sustainability approach.

In the areas of Ethics and Sustainable Purchasing, we have continued to enhance transparency, responsible sourcing practices and ethical business conduct throughout our value chain.

Looking Ahead

Achieving the EcoVadis Silver Medal is an important milestone for Maflon, but also a motivation to further raise our standards. Sustainability is a strategic driver for long-term value creation, and we are fully committed to continuing the development of our company in all four key areas assessed by EcoVadis.

We firmly believe that responsible business practices are essential not only for the environment and society, but also for the long-term success and resilience of our company.
We are proud to share this achievement with our stakeholders and remain focused on strengthening our positive impact on people and the planet.

 

 

 

ZDHC certification for a range of sustainable products Maflon has reached a new milestone in its sustainability strategy. The company has achieved ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) certification for a selection of textile auxiliaries and Crosslinkers from the HYDROSIN® family, reinforcing its commitment to a more sustainable and responsible future.

What is ZDHC certification?

ZDHC certification is a globally recognized standard that aims to eliminate hazardous chemicals throughout the supply chain in the textile, leather and footwear sectors. Being ZDHC certified means that Maflon products meet rigorous safety and sustainability criteria, helping to reduce environmental impact and protect human health.

Benefits for customers and the supply chain

ZDHC certification is not only a benefit for the environment, but also offers tangible benefits to Maflon customers. Companies that choose ZDHC certified products can improve the transparency of their supply chain, reduce the risk of regulatory non-compliance and meet growing consumer expectations in terms of sustainability.

Looking ahead

By obtaining the ZDHC certification, Maflon strengthens its position as a reliable partner for innovative and responsible solutions. The company will continue to invest in research into new technologies to expand its range of sustainable products, consolidating its role as a leader in the global chemical industry.

Stay up to date on new Maflon ZDHC and Bluesign® certified products by registering on the ZDHC gateway: ZDHC Gateway

Antifouling with Biocides vs. PDMS-Based Antifouling: Sustainability and Energy Savings in the Maritime Sector

In the maritime sector, combating biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms such as algae, barnacles, and bacteria on ship surfaces, poses a critical challenge. The presence of fouling not only worsens the hydrodynamic efficiency of ships but also increases fuel consumption, significantly impacting both economic and environmental aspects.

Traditionally, antifouling solutions have relied on coatings containing biocides, such as cuprous oxide and zinc compounds, designed to prevent the growth of marine organisms by releasing toxic substances. However, these coatings present significant drawbacks, including toxicity to the marine environment and human health, contributing to water pollution and the degradation of ecosystems.

An innovative approach gaining increasing attention is the use of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane)-based antifouling coatings, a biocide-free solution operating on a completely different principle. These coatings, also known as “fouling release” systems, do not kill marine organisms but create a smooth, non-adhesive surface that prevents organisms from attaching to the ship’s hull. When the ship is in motion, the combination of the slippery surface and water flow naturally facilitates the detachment of fouling.

The Integration of Amphiphilic Additives

Incorporating amphiphilic additives into silicone-based antifouling coatings can further enhance their fouling release performance. Amphiphilic additives are molecules that possess both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts. When incorporated into a silicone (PDMS) coating, these additives can modify the surface characteristics to further reduce the adhesion of marine biofoulers.

These enhanced coatings combine the benefits of an extremely smooth surface with the ability to inhibit or release marine organisms, improving fouling resistance and, consequently, the ship’s hydrodynamic performance. The combination of silicone and amphiphilic additives reduces the coefficient of friction even more compared to pure silicone coatings, further enhancing fuel efficiency.

HYDROVEST® 2000

Maflon’s new additive, HYDROVEST® 2000, is designed as an amphiphilic polymer capable of phase segregation and self-assembly at the interface with the environment. These properties allow the coating to modify the surface characteristics, creating a barrier that confounds the recognition and adhesion mechanisms of biofouling. Adding HYDROVEST® 2000 to antifouling coatings reduces the number of adhering biofouling organisms and facilitates their removal from treated surfaces. This is achieved through the polymer structure, which interferes with the settlement of biofouling and enhances their detachment under shear stress generated by the vessel’s movement. As seen earlier, PDMS-based coatings exploit their low coefficient of friction to remove deposited organisms.

How Surface Tension Affects Performance

Let’s delve into how the hull’s surface tension affects external factors:

• Surface tension and wettability: The surface tension of water affects the wettability of the hull surface. A surface with low surface tension is less wetted by water, reducing the resistance opposing the ship’s movement. This phenomenon can lead to a decrease in viscous drag (one of the components of total resistance), contributing to reducing the load on the engine.
• Superhydrophobic surfaces: Coatings that create superhydrophobic surfaces (which strongly repel water) can further reduce wettability, thus reducing friction. While surface tension is not the primary factor, coatings that lower surface tension can enhance the effectiveness of hydrophobic surfaces, contributing to lower drag.

Friction Coefficients and Antifouling Performance

The friction coefficient of biocide-based antifouling coatings can vary significantly depending on the specific biocide used and environmental conditions. However, studies indicate that these coatings typically exhibit a friction coefficient between 0.2 and 0.4 under laminar flow conditions in water, although this value may increase in the presence of biofilms or other forms of marine fouling.

In contrast, the friction coefficient of a PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) surface in water can vary depending on factors such as the exact composition of the PDMS, surface roughness, and experimental conditions. However, the static friction coefficient of PDMS in water is generally found to be in the range of 0.01 to 0.1, significantly lower than that of biocide-based coatings.

Environmental Benefits and Fuel Savings

The primary advantage of PDMS-based coatings over traditional biocides is their reduced environmental impact. While biocides release toxic substances into the water, silicone-based fouling release coatings do not release harmful substances, making them a more ecological and sustainable choice.

In addition to environmental benefits, these coatings offer significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency. Thanks to their smooth, low-energy surface, PDMS-based coatings reduce the friction between the hull and water, decreasing fluid resistance. This results in a reduction of the power required by the ship’s engine to maintain a given speed, which in turn leads to substantial fuel savings.

• Drag reduction: Even a small reduction in hydrodynamic drag can lead to significant fuel savings, especially for ships traveling long distances. This effect, combined with other drag reduction technologies such as antifouling coatings, can result in a notable decrease in fuel consumption.
• Overall effects: While surface tension reduction can contribute to fuel savings, its impact is generally less significant than that achieved through reducing the coefficient of friction or hull shape resistance.

Conclusion

In summary, PDMS-based antifouling coatings offer a sustainable alternative to traditional biocide-based solutions, addressing both environmental and energy efficiency concerns. Their ability to significantly reduce drag and fouling adhesion, combined with the environmental benefits of being biocide-free, positions them as a forward-thinking solution in the maritime industry. With continuous improvements, such as the integration of amphiphilic additives, these coatings can further enhance ship performance and contribute to the industry’s move toward greener, more energy-efficient

HYDROVEST® 2000: A Revolution for Anti Fouling Coatings – PFAS AND BIOCIDES FREE

INTRODUCTION

In marine and offshore industries, the battle against biofouling is a considerable challenge. The biological fouling that occur on hull surfaces not only increases fuel consumption but also requires highly maintenance services. Coatings World, a leading magazine in the field of coatings and additives, introduces an innovative solution: HYDROVEST™ 2000, patented by Maflon S.p.A. This new anti-fouling additive intends to totally transform the efficiency and sustainability of vessels.

Innovation Without Biocides

One of the most cutting-edge aspects of HYDROVEST® 2000 is its biocide-free formula. Traditionally, antifouling coatings use biocides to prevent the adhesion of bio foulants, but these chemical components have negative environmental impacts. HYDROVEST® 2000, on the other hand, creates an ecological approach, employing an advanced amphiphilic polymer that prevents bio foulant adhesion without the use of toxic substances.

Better Efficiency and Emissions Reduction

The performance of HYDROVEST® 2000 is impressive. Thanks to its unique properties, vessels coated with this product can achieve an instant energy saving of up to 20%*, with a speed loss of less than 1%*. This leads not only to reduced operational costs but also to a significant decrease in CO2 emissions. This combination of efficiency and sustainability makes HYDROVEST® 2000 an ideal choice for the future of the marine coating.

The success of HYDROVEST® 2000 is the result of an extraordinary cooperation between Maflon S.p.A. and the University of Pisa. This innovative project involved many students, who had the opportunity to work on a practical and impactful solution.

Technical Features

HYDROVEST® 2000 is designed as an amphiphilic polymer able to phase-segregate and self-assemble at the interface with the environment. These properties allow the coating to modify the system’s surface characteristics, creating a surface that confuses the recognition and adhesion mechanisms of bio foulants.

Biofouling Reduction

The addition of HYDROVEST® 2000 to antifouling coatings reduces the number of adhered biofoulings and facilitates their removal from treated surfaces. This is possible due to the polymers’ structure, which interferes with bio foulants’ settlement and facilitates their detachment under the shear stress generated by the vessel’s flow.

Optimized Proportions

One of the most remarkable quality of HYDROVEST® 2000 is that can be effective using a relatively small amount of additive, ≤ 10% by weight. This permits to maintain the convenient bulk properties of the coatings, such as low elastic modulus, while enhancing the surface properties.

Applications and Benefits

HYDROVEST® 2000 is ideal for a wide range of applications in marine and offshore sectors. Its properties make it suitable for: – Merchant and cruise ships – Offshore platforms and structures – Fishing boats and yachts

Main Benefits

– Reduced Maintenance Costs: Lower bio foulant adhesion means less requirement for cleaning and maintenance, reducing long-term operational costs. – Energy Efficiency: With improved hydrodynamics, vessels coated with HYDROVEST® 2000 consume less fuel. – Environmental Sustainability: Without the use of biocides and PFAS, the coating is environmentally friendly, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

HYDROVEST® 2000 represents a breakthrough in the antifouling coatings sector. With its unique properties, the ability to improve energy efficiency and to reduce emissions, this coating stands out as an innovative and sustainable solution for the future of maritime transport. Coatings World is proud to introduce this technology, the result of a fruitful partnership between Maflon S.p.A. and the University of Pisa.

MORE INFO