MacGlide

Eco-friendly anti-fouling film

The challenge

150 000 tons of antifouling paints are used across Europe each year, and every square metre of applied paint contains around 15g of biocide - capable of contaminating 150 000 m3 of water. It means that such paints cause damage to the marine environment. They also create a need for frequent repainting. The good news is that helping the environment also improves protection for your boat – with less maintenance and lower overall costs. High-performance MacGlide™ adhesive film is good for your boat, for your wallet, and for marine fauna and flora.

 

An ecological revolution

Mactac and PPG joined forces to create this innovative and non-polluting alternative to conventional anti-fouling treatments.

 MacGlide™ film offers excellent built-in dirt repelling properties (patented). It protects your hull from colonisation by marine organisms without using biocides or pesticides - avoiding transport of these micro-organisms between ports across the globe. It means you are helping to protect marine life as well as your boat when you choose MacGlide™ film instead of paint. You are also safeguarding human health in shipyards, by avoiding any exposure to toxic biocides. And because your boat can go further and faster, MacGlide™ film helps you to enjoy your time at sea more.

MacGlide™ fouling protection and release film

MacGlide™ film is the result of several years of research and development. 5 years of tests on sailboats and motorboats in all European waters have shown how effectively the film prevents fouling.  The material is self-cleaning - most of the fouling may fall off by itself when boats regularly reach speeds of 7-8 knots for more than an hour.

MacGlide™ benefits

Most of our customers have experienced the following

  • Marine organism protection: MacGlide™ film does not erode in water and contains no biocide. The movement of micro-organisms from one area to another is made less likely by the excellent anti-fouling performance of MacGlide™ film

  •  Unmatched ease of maintenance: Remove stains with a sponge or soft brush.

  •  Self-cleaning: Most of the fouling may fall off when boats regularly reach speeds of 7-8 knots for more than an hour.

  •  Proven throughout Europe: Suits all types of boats up to 40 metres.

  •  5-year durability: Compared with 6-12 months for toxic anti-fouling agents.

  •  Fuel savings: Use around 5 to 6% less.

  •  Increase Sailing speed: Estimated to 4-5% according to hull design

  •  Economical: Lower maintenance costs over a period of 5 years.

  •  Unmatched gel coat protection: MacGlide™ film is impermeable to water, reducing osmosis and ensuring lower hull moisture content than any conventional antifouling paint