EPA Approves Lonza’s Copper Omadine
Lonza is pleased to announce it has received a registration from the U.S. EPA for the use of its copper Omadine Antimicrobial as an agent to deter the growth of algae and other foulants on ships.
The registration covers the product’s use in marine hull paints that are applied by licensed applicators on U.S. vessels that are 25 or more meters in length.
“This registration means our customers can now provide their latest antifouling paint technology in the United States,” explains Robert Martin, Global Strategic Marketing Manager for Lonza Microbial Control’s Marine Antifouling Paint business. “Many of the new self-polishing paints contain copper Omadine® Antimicrobial, the most widely used co-biocide in the world for marine antifouling paint applications. With this registration, copper Omadine® Antimicrobial is now approved for use in all major shipbuilding regions.”
Lonza’s Omadine Antimicrobial products are part of Lonza Microbial Control’s Materials Protection portfolio. Lonza is a leading global supplier of antifouling agents for use on ships’ hulls and in protective coatings on nets used in fish farms. In addition to copper Omadine® Antimicrobial, the company’s antifouling paint product line also includes the zinc Omadine® Antimicrobial, as well as self-polishing polymer technology and products. All of these products are supported with robust toxicology and regulatory data and approvals worldwide.
Jack Poppleton, Director of Toxicology and Regulatory for Lonza Microbial Control, adds that, “The registration of copper Omadine® Antimicrobial by the U.S EPA demonstrates the extensive toxicology and environmental fate database Lonza has developed for the support of its antifouling products on a global basis. It also helps assure continued availability of the product throughout the world. This is particularly important as more and more countries implement product registration systems for marine paint.”