With the launch of the first production catamaran built using recyclable resin and recycled glass fibres, the Beneteau Group is setting a new benchmark for sustainable yacht construction. Sustainability is becoming one of the most important challenges in the marine industry. While composite materials have allowed boat builders to create lighter, stronger and more efficient yachts for decades, they have also created a major problem: at the end of a boat’s life, composites are extremely difficult to recycle.
Today, the Beneteau Group is leading a major technological breakthrough that could change this reality. After more than five years of research and development, the group has introduced a new recyclable resin and a closed-loop recycling process that allows resin and glass fibers to be separated and reused. This innovation has now been applied to the first production Excess 11, making it the world’s first catamaran built with recyclable resin and recycled glass fibers.
Key Facts
- Beneteau Group has developed a recyclable composite solution after several years of research.
- The new technology allows resin and glass fibers to be separated and recycled at the end of their life cycle.
- The project was developed together with industry partners, including resin suppliers, fiber manufacturers and recycling specialists.
- Several hundred tons of production waste can already be diverted from landfill every year.
- The first production catamaran using this technology is Excess 11.
- The boat incorporates recyclable resin and recycled glass fibers.
- The innovation helps reduce CO₂ emissions and decreases the use of raw materials required for new composite production.
- The long-term objective is to expand this technology across more models and brands within the Beneteau Group.
A commitment beyond regulation
What makes this initiative particularly important is that it is not driven by regulation. The investment has been made because the Beneteau Group believes the industry has a responsibility to address the environmental impact of composite materials and create more sustainable solutions for future generations. This breakthrough is not only a technological achievement. It represents a new vision for boatbuilding, where performance, innovation and environmental responsibility work together. With the successful launch of the first recyclable Excess 11, the marine industry has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
Istion Yachting is a proud official partner of the Beneteau Group, supporting a vision that combines innovation, performance, and sustainability. The launch of the recyclable Excess 11 marks an important milestone for the future of boating, and the company is delighted to share this journey with its clients and the sailing community.
