Brunswick’s Boston Whaler to showcase fully recyclable fiberglass boat

Brunswick Corporation has announced that it is expanding its partnership with Arkema, producer of specialty materials, to develop a fully recyclable fiberglass boat with Boston Whaler that integrates Arkema’s Elium liquid thermoplastic resin on all the vessel’s composite parts, core, and adhesives.  

The first prototype is expected to be displayed at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, and will be developed in conjunction with Boston Whaler, leveraging the brand’s unique construction to validate the technology.

The project is part of Brunswick’s enterprise-wide sustainability programme and is expected to allow for hull and structural components to be fully recycled at end of life and reintroduced into production processes, reducing the amount of disposable material and sourcing of virgin raw materials. 

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Arkema, marking an exciting milestone in our sustainability journey,” said Kris Neff, Boston Whaler president. “By combining next-generation materials with the legendary safety and durability of the Boston Whaler brand, we are ensuring we continue to meet boaters’ diverse and changing needs while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Arkema says its Elium resin is particularly suited to the marine industry and the production of composite watercraft; ‘in addition to being fully recyclable, it is specially adapted to the resin infusion process of large parts with a low viscosity, long reactivity, and a low exothermic reaction’. 

“Elium resin is our solution for the new era of sustainable composites,” says Nicolas Valloir, Arkema business manager. “Through our partnership with Brunswick and Boston Whaler, we’re helping to shape a more sustainable future and circular economy for the marine industry. This is fully aligned with Arkema’s commitment to develop innovative solutions tailored to support our customers in their quest for sustainable performance.”