Brunswick Corp. yesterday announced a partnership with specialty chemicals manufacturer Arkema to develop a recyclable boat that uses Elium liquid thermoplastic resin for composite parts, cores and adhesives.
A prototype will be developed in conjunction with Brunswick’s Boston Whaler brand and displayed at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this fall.
“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Arkema, marking an exciting milestone in our sustainability journey,” Boston Whaler president Kris Neff said in a statement. “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’s Elium resin is well-suited for the construction of composite watercraft, according to the statement. Fully recyclable, it has a low viscosity, long reactivity and low exothermic reaction, important attributes for infusing large fiberglass parts.
“Elium resin is our solution for the new era of sustainable composites,” Arkema business manager Nicolas Valloir said in the statement. “Through our partnership with Brunswick and Boston Whaler, we’re helping to shape a more sustainable future and circular economy for the marine industry.”
