Research Partnership Targets Sustainable Composite Materials for Boat Manufacturing
BY Composights
Published: 05 May 2026
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A research partnership is focusing on improving sustainability in boat manufacturing by developing alternative composite materials to replace conventional glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GRP). The initiative brings together academic and industry partners to address material challenges across the marine sector.
The project is centred on identifying basalt fibre reinforcements and bio-based resins as viable alternatives to traditional composites. These materials are being evaluated for performance, scalability, and compatibility with existing boatbuilding processes.
We are identifying the right bioresins and basalt fibres, available in sufficient quantities and with sufficient properties, to demonstrate a solution allowing the entire boat industry to offer more sustainable products, said Scientia Professor Gangadhara Prusty of UNSW Sydney.
The initiative addresses a growing challenge related to end-of-life composite vessels, with increasing volumes of GRP boats reaching retirement without viable recycling pathways. This project highlights a critical materials challenge, with millions of Glass Reinforced Plastic vessels reaching end of life without a viable circular pathway, Prusty added.
As part of the programme, Steber International is constructing a test vessel to evaluate the performance and repairability of the new material systems under operational conditions. The aim is to ensure that alternative composites can be integrated into existing production processes.
We are currently building recreational, commercial and defence vessels and hopefully one day we will see a complete, sustainable, reliable, affordable, and safe composite material for all industries, said Alan Steber, managing director of Steber International.
Composites are transforming mobility across aviation, marine, automotive and beyond lighter, stronger, more efficient, he said. But as we accelerate their adoption, we have a responsibility to ensure we are not trading one environmental problem for another. The ACM CRC and its partners are committed to ensuring that the composites revolution is built on a truly circular foundation.
For the composites industry, the project reflects increasing focus on circular material systems and sustainable alternatives to conventional GRP. The development of basalt fibre and bio-resin composites highlights efforts to balance performance requirements with environmental considerations in marine manufacturing.
Source: Australian Manufacturing | News
