Yachting and multihulls - Sunreef Yachts, the world leader in semi-custom luxury catamarans created 20 years ago by French industrialist Francis Lapp in Gdansk, Poland, is integrating innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint and promote more environmentally-friendly sailing. Through its Sunreef Yachts Eco programme, the shipyard is developing technologies to improve the energy efficiency of its vessels and reduce their environmental impact.

As part of this approach, Sunreef Yachts has developed a process to transform recycled plastic into high-quality materials used in the construction and interior design of its yachts. This process, based on the use of PET foam from plastic bottles, marks a significant step forward in sustainable yachting.

Recycled plastic.... in top-of-the-range yacht interiors

Sunreef Yachts uses recycled PET bottles to manufacture the composite structures of its luxury catamarans. Today, this approach has been extended to yacht interiors, with the aim of gradually replacing traditional materials with more sustainable alternatives.

Up to 150,000 recycled PET bottles are used to create the interiors of a Sunreef 80, transforming plastic waste into resistant, high-performance materials. This choice not only reduces plastic pollution, but also optimises yacht performance.

Significant weight reduction for greater energy efficiency

One of the main advantages of PET foam is its lightness. Compared with conventional materials, it reduces the weight of interior fittings by 60%. This has a direct impact on the yacht's energy consumption: less weight means less drag and lower fuel consumption, improving the yacht's range and overall efficiency.

With this innovation, Sunreef Yachts demonstrates that it is possible to combine performance and sustainability, by integrating recycled materials without compromising on design or build quality.

Advanced design and harmonious integration

Developed in-house by the Sunreef Yachts R&D team, this new approach to materials makes it possible to design refined interiors while respecting strict sustainability criteria.

PET foam can be combined with all the traditional finishes used in yacht interiors, including wood, lacquer and laminates. This ensures that owners enjoy the same level of luxury and sophistication as on a traditional yacht, while reducing its environmental footprint.

Sunreef Yachts' aim is to replace up to 60% of interior structures with this innovative material, a move that could redefine standards in the yachting industry.

An ecological, high-performance solution

In addition to its positive environmental impact, the use of PET foam offers other technical advantages. Unlike traditional materials, it requires no non-recyclable adhesives, making it an entirely recyclable alternative.

It also contributes to on-board comfort by improving the soundproofing of the yacht. Less noise means a quieter, more pleasant sailing experience, enhancing the well-being of passengers.

Towards more responsible yachting

Sunreef Yachts continues its commitment to more sustainable yachting by exploring new ways to reduce the environmental impact of its vessels. The integration of recycled plastic in the structures and interior fittings illustrates this desire to reconcile luxury and ecology, by adopting innovative and responsible practices.

By exploiting the potential of recycled materials, Sunreef Yachts is demonstrating that the marine industry can move towards more environmentally friendly solutions, without compromising the excellence and comfort expected by its customers.