Discover the Allure of the Recyclable Boats: A New Future in Yacht Manufacturing on Biddex: A Closer Look

Published in

Wednesday 11 December 2024

Recyclable Boats: A New Future in Yacht Manufacturing

In light of the global shift towards sustainability and reducing environmental impact, many industries are striving to develop eco-friendly technologies.

Among these industries is the boat and yacht manufacturing sector, which has begun to adopt new materials and techniques to achieve this goal.

One of the most notable innovations in this field is the recyclable Elium resin from Arkema, considered a revolutionary step towards realizing the dream of fully recyclable boats.

In this article, we will explore the properties of this resin, its benefits, and how it can revolutionize the boat industry.

What is Elium Recyclable Resin?

Elium resin is a thermoplastic liquid material developed by Arkema, designed for use in constructing recyclable composite structures, such as hulls, panels, and surfaces in boats. Unlike traditional resins that rely on chemicals like styrene, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the manufacturing process, Elium resin is based on an acrylic monomer that emits significantly lower amounts of these compounds, making it more environmentally friendly.

The Difference Between Elium Resin and Traditional Resins

Environmental Impact: Traditional resins produce long, cross-linked chemical chains that make recycling difficult, whereas Elium resin can be recycled multiple times without losing its quality.
Emissions: Elium resin reduces VOC emissions during manufacturing, minimizing the environmental impact of the process.
Flexibility in Use: Elium resin can be used with most materials employed in boat manufacturing, including fiberglass, carbon fiber, and wood, making it a flexible option suitable for a wide range of applications.

How are Structures Made from Elium Resin Recycled?

Structures made from Elium resin can be recycled using two main processes:

Chemical Extraction: The resin is extracted from the composite structure using a chemical process that separates the resin from other materials. After extraction, the resin can be reused with a purity of up to 99%.
Mechanical Reuse: The composite structure is chopped into small pieces and transformed into thermoplastic material that can be used in processes such as thermocompression, injection molding, or 3D printing.

Benefits of Using Elium Resin in Boat Manufacturing

Reduced Environmental Impact: Elium resin is an ideal choice for boat manufacturers looking to minimize their carbon footprint. Thanks to lower VOC emissions, manufacturers can reduce the environmental impact of their production processes.
Multiple Recycling: Unlike traditional materials that are wasted after their lifespan, structures made from Elium resin can be recycled multiple times, extending the material's life and reducing waste.
Design Flexibility: Elium resin can be used with a wide range of materials, including fiberglass, carbon fiber, and wood. It also works with most types of gelcoats, providing designers with greater freedom to innovate.
High Performance: Despite being a recyclable material, Elium resin offers high performance in terms of strength and durability, making it suitable for use in high-performance boats.

Practical Applications: A Racing Boat Made from Elium Resin

To demonstrate the effectiveness of Elium resin, Arkema constructed a high-performance racing boat using this material. The boat participated in a transatlantic race between Europe and Brazil and performed exceptionally well. After the race, the resin was extracted from the boat using a chemical process, and the results showed that the extracted resin was 99% pure, proving its recyclability and potential for new applications.

Challenges of Using Elium Resin

Despite the numerous advantages that Elium resin offers, there are some challenges to its widespread use:

Cost: Recycling technologies may be more expensive compared to traditional disposal methods.
Regulations: The widespread adoption of this technology requires laws and regulations that mandate companies to recycle.
Awareness: The industry needs greater awareness of the benefits of using recyclable materials to encourage companies to adopt them.

The Future of the Boat Industry with Elium Resin

Elium resin represents a significant step towards achieving sustainability in the boat industry. As environmental awareness increases and the focus shifts towards waste reduction, recyclable materials like Elium are expected to become the new standard in this sector. Ongoing innovations in recycling technologies will also help reduce costs and increase efficiency, making these materials more attractive to manufacturers.

Elium resin from Arkema is a revolutionary innovation in the boat manufacturing industry, combining high performance with environmental sustainability. With its ability to be recycled and reduce emissions, this resin has the potential to radically transform how boats are designed and built in the future. As advancements in this field continue, the dream of fully recyclable boats seems closer to reality than ever before.