Industry Leaders Pioneer Circular Economy in Boat Manufacturing with Recycled Composites

Industry Leaders Pioneer Circular Economy in Boat Manufacturing with Recycled Composites

(IN BRIEF) A coalition of major industry players has launched a pioneering initiative in Western France to transform boat manufacturing through a circular economy model. In this breakthrough collaboration, Groupe Beneteau will incorporate recycled composite materials, including Arkema’s innovative Elium® resin, into its production process. Veolia collects composite scraps which Composite Recycling then processes using advanced thermolysis technology to reclaim glass fibers and thermolysis oil. Arkema, Owens Corning, and Chomarat subsequently convert these reclaimed materials into new, high-quality components, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. The initiative not only promises to reshape the marine industry by creating more sustainable boats but also serves as a scalable proof of concept for other sectors that rely on composite materials, such as automotive, aerospace, wind energy, and construction.

(PRESS RELEASE) COLOMBES, 5-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking collaboration is set to redefine boat manufacturing by embedding a circular economy model into the production process. Industry leaders have united in Western France to develop boats constructed from recycled composite materials, setting a new standard for sustainability in marine and other composite-intensive sectors. This pioneering initiative brings together Groupe Beneteau, Veolia, Composite Recycling, Arkema, Owens Corning, and Chomarat to transform the way composite waste is handled—from collection and recycling to reintegration into new products.

Under the new model, Groupe Beneteau will utilize recyclable composites, including Arkema’s innovative Elium® resin, in its boat production lines. Veolia will collect composite production scraps and transport them to recycling facilities, where Composite Recycling employs next-generation thermolysis technology to recover high-quality glass fibers and thermolysis oil. Arkema will then convert this oil back into fresh Elium® resin, while Owens Corning and Chomarat produce new glass fibers and fiberglass reinforcements respectively. These reclaimed materials are reintroduced into the manufacturing process, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional polyester-based methods.

Guillaume Perben, co-Founder of Composite Recycling, highlighted that the initiative not only revolutionizes sustainable boatbuilding but also serves as a proof of concept for other industries such as automotive, aerospace, wind energy, and construction that rely on composite materials. Guillaume Cledat of Arkema emphasized the potential of Elium® resin to make composites fully recyclable at scale, while Erwan Faoucher, Vice President of Innovation & Sustainable Development at Groupe Beneteau, celebrated the project as a major step toward accessible and environmentally friendly boating. Executives from Owens Corning, Veolia, and Chomarat echoed these sentiments, reinforcing their commitment to driving circular manufacturing practices that reduce waste and environmental impact.

By harnessing advanced recycling technologies and fostering cross-industry partnerships, this initiative is poised to accelerate the global transition to a sustainable future—demonstrating that a circular economy is not just an environmental imperative, but a tangible and scalable solution across multiple sectors.

Media Contacts:

Anne Plaisance
+33 (0)6 81 87 48 77
anne.plaisance@arkema.com

SOURCE: Arkema