Sparc Technologies has secured commercial traction for its graphene additive ecosparc® with major coatings players AkzoNobel and Petro Vietnam Paint, launched a new additive range for electrostatic coatings, and marked six months of continuous operation at its green hydrogen pilot plant.
- ecosparc® commercialised by AkzoNobel and Petro Vietnam Paint
- Launch of SparcESTM additives targets $1.65bn electrostatic coatings market
- Sparc Hydrogen’s SHARP pilot achieves stable six-month operation
- Cash balance stands at A$1.47 million with operating outflows of A$799K
- Dual listing obtained on US OTCQB Venture Market
ecosparc® Gains Traction with Global Coatings Leaders
Sparc Technologies (ASX:SPN) has taken a significant step towards commercialising its graphene additive ecosparc®, now incorporated into protective coatings by global giant AkzoNobel and Vietnam’s Petro Vietnam Paint (PV PAINT). AkzoNobel’s Australian-made Interzone® 954 protective coating enhanced with ecosparc® is the first widely used commercial product globally to feature the additive. This milestone follows years of collaboration and testing, underscoring ecosparc®’s potential to improve corrosion resistance in demanding industrial environments.
PV PAINT’s commitment to integrating ecosparc® into its PERAPHENE range marks the first international coatings product line to adopt the additive, with commercial availability expected in Q3 2026. The PERAPHENE range targets high-corrosivity applications in steel infrastructure, validated independently to meet stringent ISO standards at lower film thicknesses than current alternatives.
To accelerate market adoption, Sparc appointed Peter Wenzke, a coatings industry veteran with 25 years’ experience, as business development manager. His role is pivotal in expanding ecosparc®’s footprint across Australia and internationally.
SparcESTM Targets Growing Electrostatic Coatings Market
Building on its graphene expertise, Sparc launched SparcESTM in June 2026, a dedicated additive range for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and conductive coatings. These coatings are critical in data centres and semiconductor manufacturing, sectors estimated to represent 75% of a US$1.2 billion global market in 2026, growing at a 10% CAGR to 2030. Sparc’s graphene additives promise advantages over traditional conductive materials like graphite and carbon black, including lower dosage rates, improved durability, and cost efficiencies.
Two customer development programs are underway, leveraging Sparc’s existing industry relationships. The company is also expanding testing into powder coatings, broadening its addressable market within the coatings sector.
Sparc Hydrogen Pilot Plant Sustains Operation Amid Real-World Conditions
Sparc Hydrogen, a joint venture with Fortescue Ltd and Adelaide University, achieved six months of continuous autonomous operation at its SHARP pilot plant in South Australia. The facility demonstrated sustained hydrogen production at design pressures and elevated temperatures, maintaining photocatalyst performance through a harsh summer with ambient temperatures up to 46°C. This operational milestone validates the viability of Sparc’s patented photocatalytic water splitting technology under real-world conditions.
Parallel laboratory testing of next-generation photocatalysts has yielded encouraging results, with plans to trial these materials at the pilot plant in H2 2026. Sparc Hydrogen’s CEO, Alana Barlow, led a European business development tour culminating in a non-binding MOU with a concentrated solar infrastructure partner and engagement with multiple photocatalyst developers. Attendance at the World Hydrogen Summit highlighted the shift in Europe from ambition to implementation, with binding policies and industrial offtake agreements emerging.
Financial Position and Market Access
As of 30 June 2026, Sparc held A$1.47 million in cash, including a A$680,000 advance against its expected FY26 R&D tax incentive. Quarterly operating cash outflows were A$799,000, while financing activities contributed A$360,000, reflecting proceeds from option exercises. The company’s cash runway is estimated at under two quarters at current burn rates, though management affirms plans to raise capital if necessary under ASX Listing Rules.
In June, Sparc secured a dual listing on the US OTCQB Venture Market (ticker: SPTCF), responding to strong North American investor interest. This move enhances Sparc’s international profile and provides US investors with local trading access in US dollars, complementing its primary ASX listing.
Bottom Line?
Sparc’s commercial wins and pilot plant progress position it at the forefront of graphene additives and green hydrogen, but its sub-two-quarter cash runway signals a need for careful funding management in the near term.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Sparc convert ecosparc® commercial partnerships into meaningful revenue streams this year?
- How quickly can Sparc Hydrogen scale its photocatalytic technology beyond pilot phase amid growing European demand?
- What capital raising strategies will Sparc pursue to extend its cash runway beyond 2026?