The science behind every Biotal Marine product
Every Biotal Marine product is built on two complementary foundations - application-specific biology and eco-benign® chemistry. Together, they solve real shipboard problems while supporting performance, safety and environmental responsibility.
Science built for marine environments
Application-specific bacterial strains, selected and validated in our own laboratories
eco-benign® chemistry, designed to support biological activity rather than inhibit it
No solvents (including glycol ethers), acids, phosphates or EDTA
Formulated for real shipboard conditions and tested for long-term system compatibility
Designed for environmental responsibility
Eco-benign® formulations
Designed to perform effectively while breaking down to natural biomaterials in onboard treatment systems and downstream marine environments.
Reduced reliance on aggressive chemistry
Replaces or reduces the need for corrosive mineral acids, solvents and caustic treatments traditionally used on board.
Lower environmental impact by design
Formulated to avoid the CLP hazard classifications that traditional acids, solvents and caustic treatments typically attract.
Gentler on marine environments
Designed for full biodegradation & controlled breakdown of waste rather than just reducing visible contamination - protecting marine life and underwater ecosystems beyond regulatory minimums.
Application-specific biology
Not all bacteria perform equally. Different strains thrive in different conditions and break down different substances at different rates - which is why we select and validate specific bacterial strains for each application rather than relying on generic blends.
Every bacterial strain we use is researched, optimised and verified through ongoing in-house R&D in our European and US laboratories. We ferment and process our biology in our own facilities, which means we control quality, consistency and performance from raw culture through to finished product.
This approach allows our biological products to work effectively in challenging marine environments, supporting system performance over time rather than offering short-term fixes.
eco-benign® chemistry
eco-benign® chemistry is our framework for developing formulations that perform effectively while meeting high environmental and safety standards.
It goes beyond simple biodegradability, considering toxicity, environmental behaviour and sustainability alongside performance.
We deliberately exclude solvents (including glycol ethers), mineral acids, phosphates and EDTA. Our eco-benign® chemistry can be used on its own, or combined with biology where it's designed to support biological activity rather than inhibit it.
Working closely with marine OEMs has built deep expertise in corrosion prevention and asset protection, ensuring our products are safe for long-term use on metals, seals and surfaces across modern marine systems.
Why the combination matters
Biology and chemistry are most effective when they work together. Our eco-benign® chemistry is designed to create the right conditions for biological activity, allowing bacteria to perform optimally while avoiding negative knock-on effects elsewhere in ship systems.
This joined-up approach delivers reliable performance, supports compliance with environmental discharge standards, and avoids the disruption that harsher traditional chemistry can cause to waste treatment systems, biofilms and pipework.
What it means in practice
Gentler interaction with marine life and discharge environments
Cleaner, more reliable bilges, sanitation systems and galleys over time
Reduced need for aggressive solvents, acids & caustic chemicals on board
Fewer downstream issues in OWS, MSDs and pipework
Better alignment with MARPOL Annex I, IV & broader compliance expectations