Global paints and coatings giant PPG has won a 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its biocide-free marine coating.

 

The accolade from ACS Green Chemistry Institute for PPG SIGMAGLIDE 2390 marine coating recognizes a technology designed to improve vessel efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

 

The company received the award in the Design of Safer Chemicals category for its biocide-free, silicone-based fouling release coating, which helps ship owners cut fuel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate the release of antifoulants into marine ecosystems.

 

The ACS Green Chemistry Challenge Awards recognize technologies that advance sustainability through innovative chemistry while delivering environmental, economic and performance benefits.

 

“This recognition from ACS underscores the role innovative solutions can play in addressing complex sustainability challenges,” said David Bem, PPG senior vice president, science and technology, and chief technology officer. 

 

“With PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating, our scientists took a fundamentally different approach to marine fouling control, designing a solution that eliminates the need for biocides while delivering significant performance benefits. 

 

"The coating is also suitable for electrostatic application, a method PPG introduced to the marine industry that helps reduce overspray and waste during dry dock applications. This award recognizes how material design can help address environmental challenges at their source."

 

Marine biofouling increases drag on vessel hulls, forcing ships to consume more fuel and generate higher greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

PPG said its Sigmaglide 2390 coating addresses the problem through its proprietary PPG HYDRORESET technology, which reorganizes the coating surface at the nanoscale when exposed to water, creating an ultrasmooth, ultra-low-friction interface that makes it difficult for marine organisms to permanently attach.

 

According to third-party testing conducted under ISO 19030 and International Towing Tank Conference standards, the coating can deliver potential power savings of up to 20% and reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 35%, depending on vessel type and operating conditions.

 

"The marine industry is increasingly focused on solutions that improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact,” said Amy Ericson, PPG senior vice president, Protective and Marine Coatings. 

 

"PPG Sigmaglide 2390 coating demonstrates that ship owners and operators do not have to choose between sustainability and performance. By helping reduce drag without relying on antifoulants, the technology delivers meaningful value for our customers while helping protect the marine environments in which they operate.”

 

PPG said the award highlights its strategy of developing technologies that combine high performance with more sustainable chemistry, helping customers improve efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and support decarbonization goals.