Gurit and New Zealand-based natural-materials company Rubisco have developed a composite sandwich panel aimed at combining sustainability with performance, continuing the Shearwater class's shift from timber to composite construction. The panel pairs Gurit's recycled PET structural foam core and AMPRO BIO bio-based epoxy resin with Rubisco's BioTEX hemp fabric reinforcement, reaching up to 100% recycled or bio-based content depending on configuration, with thickness and layup fully adjustable for different applications.
Gurit's PET core is made from up to 100% post-consumer recycled content (the company recycled 891 million PET bottles and over 10,000 tons of PET waste in 2024) and offers roughly 65% lower CO2 emissions than conventional foam cores while adding thermal and acoustic insulation. Rubisco's BioTEX hemp fabric is lightweight and renewable, with a distinctive woven texture that can double as a visual design feature, while Gurit's AMPRO BIO resin uses plant-derived feedstocks without compromising mechanical performance.
The companies say the configurable panel suits a range of uses beyond marine interiors, including motorhome and RV cabinetry, architectural and acoustic panels, and commercial furniture, positioning it as an example of composites moving into design-led, sustainability-focused applications.
Source: www.gurit.com
