For several years now, bio-based materials have been gaining a prominent place in composites, particularly in the marine sector. Their environmental benefits mean that natural fibre reinforcements such as those produced by Cobratex and bio-based resins are attracting increasing attention. In this context, Marc Thiercelin is launching an innovative project: a truly low-carbon IMOCA sailboat, using wood and bamboo, designed to meet today’s needs for sustainability and decarbonisation.

Bio-based materials: a step forward for the marine industry

Bio-based materials, such as bamboo fibres and natural resins, offer significant advantages in terms of carbon footprint reduction. They make it possible to create high-performance composites while respecting the environment. Cobratex products, in particular, illustrate this ecological progress in the field of composites.

Marc Thiercelin: A Pioneer for the Environment

Marc Thiercelin, famous skipper and environment defender, is a true pioneer in the use of sustainable materials in the construction of sailboats. From an early age, he was fascinated by the sea and woodwork. Throughout his exceptional career, which has included five solo round-the-world races and several Vendée Globe challenges, he has demonstrated his commitment to sustainability and innovation.

The project: a low-carbon footprint IMOCA sailboat

Marc Thiercelin’s project aims to combine high technological performance with environmental considerations by using bio- based materials. Wood, which is being reintroduced into shipbuilding, will be used as the core of the sandwich composite parts. The skins, meanwhile, will be manufactured using bio-based resins and bamboo fibre reinforcements from Cobratex, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Reducing the Carbon Footprint

By using these innovative materials, the sailboat will emit 70% less CO2 during its construction, while reducing production costs by 45%. This ambitious project proves that sustainable and sustainable solutions are not only possible, but also viable for the marine sector.

The Vendée Globe: an environment-friendly challenge

The Vendée Globe, known as the ‘Everest of the Seas’, is the ideal event to promote these new ‘eco-friendly’ technologies. This single-handed, non-stop, non-assisted round-the-world race will give Marc Thiercelin the chance to demonstrate that performance can go hand in hand with environmental considerations.

Marc Thiercelin’s wood and bamboo IMOCA sailboat project represents a significant step forward for sustainability in the nautical sector. By combining bio- based materials with traditional know-how, this pioneering project paves the way for a new era in boatbuilding, where performance and sustainability go hand in hand. Through this challenge, Marc Thiercelin continues to push back the boundaries of technological innovation, while demonstrating his commitment to a more sustainable future. All the members of COBRATEX are proud to be contributing to this major project and to this environmental breakthrough.