How Sparc’s ecosparc® Graphene Additive Won Its First Commercial Buyer
Sparc Technologies has achieved a significant commercial milestone with its first sale of ecosparc®, a graphene-based additive for protective coatings, to an Asian coatings company following successful proof-of-concept testing.
- First commercial sale of ecosparc® to an Asian coatings company
- Proof-of-concept tests showed ecosparc® outperforms other graphene additives
- Ongoing R&D collaborations with Dulux, Aramco, and field trials with major industry players
- Targeting a US$1 billion addressable market in protective coatings
- Commercial manufacturing capacity in place to support scaling without major capital increase
A Milestone for Graphene in Protective Coatings
Sparc Technologies Limited (ASX, SPN) has announced its first commercial sale of ecosparc®, its flagship graphene-based additive designed to enhance protective coatings. The buyer, an undisclosed Asian coatings company, placed the order following successful proof-of-concept testing that demonstrated ecosparc®’s superior performance compared to other graphene products and unmodified coatings.
This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment for Sparc, which has invested six years developing ecosparc® to improve the durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of epoxy-based protective coatings. These coatings are critical for safeguarding steel infrastructure across industries such as mining, oil and gas, and government projects.
Building Momentum Through Partnerships and Trials
The commercial sale follows a series of research and development collaborations with major players including Dulux and Aramco, alongside field trials with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Santos, and the Government of South Australia. These engagements underscore the growing industry interest in ecosparc®’s ability to extend the lifespan and reliability of protective coatings in harsh environments.
With commercial manufacturing capabilities already established, Sparc is well positioned to ramp up production to meet anticipated demand without requiring significant additional investment or working capital. The company is actively pursuing direct sales and formal commercialisation agreements to expand its footprint in the global coatings market.
A Large and Growing Market Opportunity
The protective and marine coatings industry is valued at approximately US$33 billion globally, with Sparc estimating a target addressable market of around US$1 billion annually for ecosparc® within anticorrosive coatings. This estimate factors in the proportion of coatings suitable for ecosparc® enhancement and the product’s pricing relative to coating sales.
While the identity of the Asian customer remains confidential, Sparc confirms it is a paint manufacturer partially owned by a national government in Southeast Asia. The company emphasizes that this milestone is about achieving commercial traction rather than the creditworthiness of the customer.
Looking Ahead
Managing Director Nick O’Loughlin expressed optimism about the future, highlighting that ecosparc® brings innovation to a multi-billion-dollar industry through graphene’s powerful properties. As Sparc continues to develop global marketing and distribution channels, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of significant growth and further commercial validation for ecosparc®.
Bottom Line?
Sparc’s first commercial sale signals the start of ecosparc®’s market journey, with scaling and partnerships set to define its next phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will Sparc convert ongoing trials and collaborations into further commercial sales?
- What are the margins and revenue potential from scaling ecosparc® in the global coatings market?
- How will Sparc navigate competitive pressures and regulatory hurdles in different regions?
