Gdańsk, Poland – Sunreef Yachts Eco, pioneer in sustainable yachting, is making waves in the industry with its latest innovation: the integration of structural foam made from recycled PET bottles into the construction of its yachts. This groundbreaking initiative is part of Sunreef Yachts Eco, a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability across all aspects of the yachting experience.

The shipyard’s research and development team has successfully incorporated recycled PET bottles into the production process for the composite superstructures of the yachts.

This innovative use of structural foam, composed of up to 100% recycled PET materials, represents a significant stride toward more eco-conscious yacht construction. The recycled thermoplastic core offers numerous benefits, including high resistance to process temperatures, exceptional chemical resistance, strong adhesion, and mechanical properties. Crucially, it is fully recyclable, aligning with Sunreef Yachts Eco’s commitment to sustainability.

Notably, the construction of an 80-foot sailing catamaran requires approximately 2.4 tons of this foam core, equivalent to recycling around 600,000 PET bottles.

This development follows the introduction of the Natural Fiber Composite and represents another milestone in Sunreef Yachts’ ongoing efforts to redefine the standards of environmentally responsible yacht construction.

In addition to its innovative initiatives, Sunreef Yachts has just recently joined a major Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) project led by the European Boating Industry. This project aims to develop tools for accurately assessing the environmental footprint of yachts throughout their lifespan, from material extraction to disposal. As a leader in sustainable yachting technologies, Sunreef Yachts Eco actively contributes to the LCA project, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to environmental responsibility in the yachting industry.   

Nicolas Lapp, Co-founder and CTO of Sunreef Yachts, expressed his pride in the company’s involvement, stating: ”We are proud to contribute to the development of this important LCA tool for the boating industry. The yachting world needs a holistic approach to this matter, and we are happy to share our knowledge and expertise.”