

Coating Compliance: Navigating New Regulations with Gentoo™
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As global awareness of environmental protection grows, the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to comply with stricter regulations on harmful antifouling coatings. Historically, copper-based antifouling coatings have been widely used to prevent biofouling, but their negative impact on marine ecosystems has led to increasing restrictions. Additionally, chemicals such as organotins, cybutryne, zinc, and Irgarol are also under scrutiny, as environmental concerns expand beyond copper. These substances, while effective in biofouling prevention, pose significant risks to marine life, leading to emerging regulations.
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Gentoo™ offers an advanced, eco-friendly alternative that ensures compliance with global standards while maintaining high performance.
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Evolving Regulations: Copper, Organotins, Cybutryne, and More​
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California, USA
The Port of San Diego has mandated a 76% reduction in copper pollution by 2022, forcing marinas and boat owners to seek alternatives to copper-based coatings. California is also evaluating future bans on other harmful substances as part of its broader environmental protection efforts. -
Washington State, USA
Washington State planned a ban on copper-based paints for recreational vessels under 65 feet, originally set for 2021. Although delayed, this ban is expected to move forward as effective alternatives are identified. Washington is also considering restrictions on other toxic chemicals used in antifouling systems, like zinc and Irgarol. -
European Union (EU)
The EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) strict oversight is applied to copper-based coatings as well as other harmful substances like cybutryne and diuron. The EU is pushing for sustainable alternatives, with restrictions tightening each year. -
Sweden
Sweden has implemented restrictions on copper-based paints, organotin-based paints, and other toxic chemicals, especially in inland waters and the Baltic Sea, to protect sensitive ecosystems. These regulations are fully in effect. Zinc-based paints are also facing regulatory pressure due to their impact on marine ecosystems. -
Denmark
Denmark has banned copper-based antifouling paints for recreational boats and has also placed limits on substances like chlorothalonil and Irgarol, to reduce their detrimental effects on aquatic life. -
Norway
Norway enforces strict regulations on harmful substances like cybutryne and copper marine coatings, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas like the Oslo Fjord, and these regulations are actively enforced. Norway’s policies are part of a broader effort to prevent the leaching of toxic chemicals into sensitive ecosystems.
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The Problem with Current Antifouling Coatings
While traditional antifouling coatings, like those based on copper, organotins, and cybutryne, have been effective in biofouling prevention, they pose serious risks to the environment:
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Toxicity to Marine Life: Copper, zinc, and organotins leach into the water, harming aquatic organisms, including algae, fish, and invertebrates. These chemicals disrupt entire marine ecosystems, particularly in enclosed areas like harbors.
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Bioaccumulation: Toxic substances like cybutryne and diuron build up in marine organisms, impacting the entire food chain and threatening predators higher up, including humans.
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Sediment Contamination: Copper, zinc, and other toxic chemicals accumulate in sediments, leading to long-term damage to benthic communities and diminishing the quality of marine environments.
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How Gentoo™ Solves These Problems
Gentoo™ provides an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative to harmful antifouling systems. It ensures compliance with the most stringent environmental regulations while delivering superior protection against biofouling, using hydrophobic and sol-gel technology to create an advanced coating that is both durable and safe for marine environments.
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Non-Toxic Formula: Gentoo™ is free from copper, organotins, cybutryne, and other harmful chemicals. It prevents biofouling without leaching toxic substances into the water, protecting marine ecosystems and complying with global environmental standards.
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Compliant with Current and Future Regulations: Gentoo™ meets the strictest regulatory requirements across the U.S., EU, and other regions affected by tightening restrictions on antifouling systems. It ensures compliance with current laws and prepares you for future regulations on substances like zinc, diuron, and Irgarol.
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Proven Performance: Gentoo™ utilizes advanced hydrophobic and sol-gel technology that not only reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency but also extends the lifespan of vessels and marine infrastructure—all while being environmentally safe.
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Prepare for the Future with Gentoo™
With the growing global shift toward stricter environmental regulations on harmful substances like copper, organotins, cybutryne, zinc, and more, now is the time to switch to a sustainable alternative. Gentoo™ helps ensure compliance while delivering exceptional biofouling protection.
Contact us today to learn more about how Gentoo™ can protect your assets and the environment.
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Sources
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California Water Resources Control Board Report, 2022
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Washington State Department of Ecology Updates, 2021
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EU Biocidal Products Regulation Overview, 2023
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Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, 2023
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Danish Ministry of Environment, 2022
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Norwegian Environmental Directorate, 2023
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Study, 2021
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Marine Pollution Bulletin, Bioaccumulation Report, 2022
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Environmental Science & Technology Journal, Copper Sediment Impact, 2021
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​NOAA Study, Bioaccumulation and Marine Toxicity, 2021