Sparc Technologies, Levidian partner on graphene-enhanced coatings in GCC

The collaboration will incorporate Levidian’s graphene into Sparc’s ecosparc formulations, targeting applications in infrastructure, marine and manufacturing coatings.

The agreement follows Levidian’s supply of graphene to Sparc to testing in ecosparc-enhanced coatings.

Under the MoU, Sparc will develop formulations, conduct testing at its ISO-accredited laboratories and work with coatings manufacturers and end consumers to progress product qualification, field trials and specification.

Levidian will supply graphene to formulation research and provide technical and consumption expertise.

Both companies will pursue commercial opportunities with major regional customers, including infrastructure owners and national oil operators.

The companies will also assess the feasibility of manufacturing ecosparc additives locally in the UAE within 24 months, subject to an agreed business case.

The agreement provides a framework to the parties to determine commercial arrangements covering market volumes, manufacturing, distribution, condition standards, geographical scope and pricing.

A joint technical committee will meet monthly to establish priorities and monitor progress.

The companies aim to negotiate a binding joint research or commercial supply agreement within 12 months of commencement, with regional manufacturing targeted within 24 months.

The MoU is non-exclusive, while provisions covering intellectual property and confidentiality are binding on both parties.

Sparc Managing Director, Mr Nick O’Loughlin commented: “Sparc is very pleased to be deepening our collaboration with Levidian to market and possibly create ecosparc® in the Middle East. Levidian is a clear leader in the production of high-condition graphene materials and has strong relationships in the GCC region. Sparc is excited by the possible to establish this partnership as a means to accelerate the commercial adoption of its market-leading additive ecosparc® platform in the Middle East which is a significant market to protective coatings.”

Levidian CEO, Mr Alex Holden commented: “This partnership is another crucial measure in Levidian's strategy to accelerate the commercial adoption of graphene-based cutting-edge materials. Sparc has developed an exciting product in ecosparc®, and by combining their coatings expertise with our high-condition graphene, technical capabilities and established relationships in the Middle East, we see a real opportunity to bring enhanced protective coatings into wider manufacturing consumption.

The Middle East is an crucial market to us, with major infrastructure owners and manufacturing operators increasingly looking to materials that enhance performance and extend asset life. We're particularly excited by the possible to build a regional value chain, from graphene production through to formulated items and, ultimately, regional manufacturing.”

Sparc said the agreement marks a milestone in advancing the commercial rollout of ecosparc in the Middle East.

The company estimates that the regional protective and marine coatings market will surpass 200 million litres by 2030, making it larger than the North American market.

The partnership aims to advance the research and regional commercialisation of graphene-enhanced coatings, with a focus on manufacturing applications and possible regional production in the UAE.