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Sign upFebruary 7, 2024
Cantiere del Pardo
Forlì
Grand Soleil Blue was developed by Cantiere del Pardo to address the sailing industry’s growing need for sustainable materials. Traditional fiberglass boats are non-recyclable and contribute to long-term environmental pollution. The goal was to build the first fully recyclable production sailboat in Italy, using rComposite®, a recyclable, bio-based material developed by nlcomp®. The project was executed through close collaboration between nlcomp® and the shipyard’s design and engineering teams. rComposite® was used to manufacture the hull and key structural components, demonstrating that circular materials can meet the performance and aesthetic standards of high-end yacht building. The result is a scalable use case that proves recyclability can coexist with performance, elegance, and industrial production, setting a new standard in sustainable boat manufacturing.
The use of rComposite® in Grand Soleil Blue reduces CO₂ emissions by approx. 1.2 tons per unit, and avoids over 150 kg of non-recyclable fiberglass waste per boat. The recyclable material also lowers future disposal and compliance costs. Economically, the added value from sustainability supports premium market positioning with minimal added cost, offering a strong long-term ROI and alignment with upcoming EU circularity regulations.
The rComposite® technology aims to solve one of the biggest problems of the composite industry: managing the end-of-life phase of composite materials. Our innovative concept is designed to foster a new circular economy within this sector, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. By leveraging thermoplastic resins, our goal is to revolutionize the composite market through advanced technological innovations, enabling the reuse of raw materials, and significantly reducing waste. To demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of our rComposite® material, we have successfully built a range of products, including high-performance sailing boats, durable wind turbine components, and various industrial parts. This showcases our commitment to transforming the composite industry and highlights the potential for widespread application of our recyclable composite technology.
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