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 famous skipper and environmental 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 includes 5 solo round-the-world races and several Vendée Globe challenges, he has demonstrated his commitment to sustainability and innovation.

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.

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 solutions are not only possible but also viable for the marine sector.

An eco-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.

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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 environmental breakthrough.