ICIS , the trusted information provider for the global chemical and energy industries, revealed that AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings business has been chosen as the overall winner in the ICIS Innovation Awards for 2015.


The company’s Intersleek 1100SR non-biocidal anti-slime coating for sea-going vessels, part of its International range, was judged the clear winner by the panel of seven leading industry innovation experts. By reducing drag it helps cut fuel usage and environmental emissions, saving ship operators millions of dollars.

The judges commented that AkzoNobel had shown innovation in three areas in the development and commercialisation of the product: in the design and use of a novel rapid, high-throughput screening process; in the chemistry of the fluoro-polymer based coating itself, and in the way it has ensured ship operators qualify for carbon credits when using Intersleek 1100SR.

The Awards, sponsored overall by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants  and with category sponsorship from U.S. Chemicals, LLC  and ExxonMobil Chemical (http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com), recognize outstanding technological and business innovation in the global chemical industry.

The AkzoNobel entry also won the category for Best Product Innovation, sponsored by Roland Berger.

Other winners this year were:

Best Innovation by an SME 

Cella Energy, for a novel technology to store and transport hydrogen

Best Business Innovation 

Enerkem, for development and implementation of a novel nonrecyclable waste to biofuels technology

Innovation with Best Benefit to Environment or Sustainability

Global Green Products, for its Water-Tek technology to reduced use of fresh water in oil extraction

John Baker, ICIS editor and organiser of the Awards, commented that: “This year’s Awards attracted a record entry and led to a very robust discussion as the judges debated the merits of the leading entries. As in previous years, the innovations before the judges showcased a wide range of excellent products and processes, with the potential to make important impacts in their respective markets and reduce environmental impacts.

“All the winners demonstrate not only that innovation is well and truly alive in the chemical industry but that this innovation brings benefits not only to companies and their customers but the environment as well. And it helps the sustainability of the business of chemicals.”