Expedition Zero and Innovation Yachts have announced the launch of EcoMinera, a mineral fibre and bio-based resin composite material designed for marine use.
The material is being promoted as the first of its kind, proven in real-world marine conditions. Unlike traditional composites, it is manufactured using circular production methods and uses mineral fibre and bio-based resin, making it fully recyclable and free from toxic chemicals.
Other key characteristics of the material include a strength and weight performance exceeding fibreglass, corrosion-resistant, water repellent, high impact, and heat resistance.
Andrew Cowen, co-founder of Expedition Zero, comments: “This partnership brings us one step closer to our goal of building the world’s most sustainable fleet. EcoMinera is a proven material that sets a new benchmark for marine sustainability, and we’re proud to be first to market with this technology after rigorous testing.”
Cumulating from 15 years of research and extensive ocean testing, the composite has already been applied in Innovation Yachts’ Open 60 racing yacht.
Norbert Sedlacek, Founder of Innovation Yachts, says: “As the world’s first shipyard, after extensive in-house laboratory work, Innovation Yachts constructed in 2012 the world’s first prototype made of volcanic fibre, the Open 16 FIPOFIX, and sailed three world first transatlantic records with this boat.
“In 2023, Innovation Yachts won the Ocean Tribute Award for the world’s first series-produced yacht, the Catamaran LBV35, which is fully recyclable and powered exclusively by renewable energy. That is why we now want to take the next step with our partner Expedition Zero and use our sustainable and recyclable yacht building concept for a new generation of yachts no matter which size.”
Both companies are now working on the next generation of yachts (upcycled and new build) designed for the adventure sailing market, using EcoMinera. The companies also plan to explore applications for the material beyond marine use through ongoing R&D.
The launch of EcoMinera is part of a broader industry effort to reduce the environmental impact of yacht building and provide sustainable alternatives to fibreglass.
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