© shutterstock
IHK Schleswig-Holstein
Sustainable materials in recreational boat building
The construction of recreational boats is facing a fundamental change. For decades, glass fibre reinforced plastics (GRP), aluminium and other conventional materials dominated the market. Although these materials offer high stability and low weight, they are problematic in terms of disposal and recycling. In times of climate change, resource scarcity and growing environmental awareness, the question comes to the fore: How sustainable are our boats actually? And what alternatives are there?
The majority of recreational boats, especially sailing boats, are made of GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic). The material is durable, low-maintenance and inexpensive. But it is precisely these properties that make recycling so difficult. To date, there are only a few economically viable processes for separating or recycling this composite material made of plastic resin and glass fibres. Many discarded boats therefore end up in storage areas or are incinerated, which is associated with high CO2 emissions.
Host City Local Partner
The Ocean Race Europe 2025
Researchers and innovative boat builders are working on alternative materials that are more environmentally friendly and recyclable:
• Natural fibre-reinforced plastics (NFK): These use flax, hemp or jute fibres combined with bio-based resins. These materials are easier to recycle and cause less CO2 emissions during production.
• Thermoplastics: Unlike thermosets (as used in GRP), thermoplastics can be reshaped under heat and theoretically recycled.
• Wood and hybrid materials: Boat building with laminated wood or wood-plastic composites is experiencing a small renaissance, especially in the small boat sector.
However, these materials face challenges in terms of durability, water resistance and industrial processing.
As a maritime state, Schleswig-Holstein is actively involved in various projects that promote sustainable boat building:
• WOY (Wooden Yachts) project by Jan Brügge: This project experiments with resource-saving materials in yacht design. The aim is to build completely recyclable boats that are aesthetically and functionally state-of-the-art.
• Christian Albrecht University of Kiel (CAU): In cooperation with companies and other research institutions, new bio-based resins and fibre composites are being tested, e.g. based on algae or agricultural waste.
• Kiel University of Applied Sciences: Sustainability aspects are systematically integrated into the ‘Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology’ degree programme, for example through projects on life cycle analysis and recycling-friendly design.
• Maritime Cluster Northern Germany: This network organisation supports cross-sector innovation projects, including in the field of boat building and materials research.
Some boat builders in Northern Germany are already taking the first steps towards sustainability:
• Use of bio-based gelcoats and resins
• Use of recycled plastics for interior fittings
• Modular design for easier dismantling and repair
• CO2 compensation in production and transport
The trend towards electric motors and solar technology on board also goes hand in hand with the search for environmentally friendly materials.
Sustainable recreational boat building is still in its infancy, but development is progressing. Schleswig-Holstein, with its strong maritime research landscape, innovative boat yards and active sailing scene, offers an ideal environment for developing sustainable solutions. To ensure that sailing not only harnesses the wind but also takes responsibility, innovation, materials research and design must work even more closely together in the future. The boats of tomorrow could not only glide across the seas, but also set an example for more climate-friendly leisure activities.
#meermachen
© IHK Schleswig-Holstein
Acquire article rights