Sustainability

At First Water we are working towards economically, socially and environmentally sustainable boating. To ensure future generations have a healthy environment with clean air and water, we source safe materials throughout including bio-based thermoset resins, sustainable forest hard woods, 100% recycled filler materials, natural fiber reinforcements, and low volatile organic compound (VOC) finishes. Many of the boating accessories, stainless steels and aluminum metal parts are made in the U.S.A.

We primarily use waterborne marine coatings that are heavy duty yet more environmentally friendly than their counterparts.  The diluting and cleaning agent, distilled water, can be purchased at your local grocery store.  This significantly reduces emissions when compared to solvent based paints during application and cleaning.  Waterborne paint waste is recycled in-house.  This reduces the waste water stream up to 90%.  Professional disposal of the remaining fluids ensures chemicals do not reach our water sources, directly or indirectly.

The primer does not contain hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or heavy metals, and is low VOC.  The waterborne top-side paint contains no flammable solvents, is low VOC and low odor. The waterborne bottom coating is non-hazardous, eco-friendly and helps prevent the adhesion and transfer of aquatic invasive species.   

The high velocity air flows in the spray booth reduce any exposure of our workers to hazardous emissions.  The coating products and exhaust filtration processes meet or exceed the most rigorous VOC (volatile organic compounds) emission requirements.

Our manufacturing processes are responsible and efficient.  Vacuum infusion injects epoxy resin for in a sealed environment, eliminating the release of styrene emissions during curing.  A reusable silicon vacuum bag technology, developed as part of the industry's Green Initiative, reduces plastic waste from bag films and tubing.  The silicon is non-toxic and odor free.  Eco-friendly coatings are applied in an industrial paint booth with state of the art HVAC equipment.  Dust is kept at bay thanks to high efficiency HEPA collectors and vacuum extraction systems that trap particles at the source before it goes airborne. 

The First Water building is fabricated from over 80% recycled steel.  It uses energy-efficient lighting and southern exposure windows.  The building was engineered to stay cool in the sun by reflecting solar radiation and uses a high R-value insulation system.