ZAG UBAC 95 Prototype Showcases Record-High Bio-Based Epoxy in Industrial Composite Ski Build
BY Composights
Published: 02 Mar 2026
ZAG s UBAC 95
prototype uses Sicomin s SR GreenPoxy 80 bio-epoxy with 80% bio-based content, one
of the highest renewable-content structural resins for industrial composites, unveiled
at JEC World 2026.
French ski maker ZAG
Skis has pushed sustainability deeper into advanced composites with its UBAC 95
prototype, built using SR GreenPoxy 80 bio epoxy resin, one of the highest
bio-based content structural resin systems yet developed for demanding
composite manufacturing ( 80% renewable carbon).
Optimized to
maintain the mechanical strength, impact resistance, and thermal stability
required in high-performance sporting composites while aligning with industrial
moulding processes, the SR GreenPoxy 80 formulation paired with Sicomin s SZ
8525 EVO hardener demonstrates that high renewable content and structural
performance can coexist in epoxy-based composite laminates. The UBAC 95
integrates this next-generation resin alongside recycled and bio-derived
materials across its construction, setting a new benchmark in sustainable
composite design ahead of its showcase at JEC World 2026.
Sicomin, France, 26 February 2026: French ski manufacturer ZAG Skis will unveil
a pre production prototype of its UBAC 95 touring ski built with Sicomin s SR
GreenPoxy 80 bio epoxy at the JEC World 2026 composites exhibition in Paris
from March 10-12. With 80% bio based content, the new resin represents one of
the highest renewable contents yet achieved in a structural epoxy compatible
with demanding industrial composites production.
For ski manufacturing, resin performance is critical. It
must bond polyamide and ABS surfaces, withstand repeated impact and flex
cycles, and remain stable across extreme temperature ranges while still fitting
existing moulding processes. The new formulation pairs SR GreenPoxy 80 with
Sicomin s SZ 8525 EVO hardener, a high performance CMR free system designed to
maintain mechanical strength and processing reliability.
ZAG has worked for a decade to reduce environmental impact without compromising durability or performance. Rather than focusing on a single flagship eco material, the company has progressively redesigned the entire construction of its skis to remain compatible with large scale production. Its stated objective is a 30% reduction in carbon footprint per pair of skis by 2030.
The UBAC 95 prototype integrates sustainability across multiple layers of the structure. The topsheet contains 50% bio based content, the base incorporates 50% to 80% recycled production offcuts, ABS sidewalls include 50% recycled material and the core remains wood.
ZAG began collaborating with Sicomin in 2015 using GreenPoxy 33, containing 35% bio based content, before moving to the new generation resin. Achieving compatibility with industrial production required extensive formulation trials to meet moulding constraints and ensure consistent bonding performance.
Our objective is not to produce a laboratory demonstrator but a ski that can realistically be manufactured at scale, explains ZAG Skis R&D Director Bastien Saillard. Changing resin systems affects the entire structure and bonding behaviour, so we worked closely with Sicomin to reach a formulation that delivers durability while fitting factory processing conditions.
Sicomin expects SR GreenPoxy 80 to reach industrial scale commercial availability by 2030, potentially opening new possibilities across multiple composite industries where mechanical performance has historically limited bio based adoption.
Sicomin is proud to support ZAG Skis with our next generation epoxy technology, says Matthieu Chaloin, Export Sales Technician at Sicomin. This project demonstrates that high renewable content and industrial performance are no longer mutually exclusive, and we look forward to progressing towards a limited production run.
The prototype will be displayed at JEC World 2026 as part of the ongoing programme of the two companies to industrialise lower carbon composite solutions.
Source - sicomin.com
