Land Rover BAR has further bolstered the environmental credentials of its America’s Cup campaign by teaming up with a carbon fibre recycling firm.
ELG Carbon Fibre, based in the UK, will process waste parts from the previous campaign and turn them into plastic compounds and matting that will be used in the manufacturing of new composite structures for the 36th America’s Cup, which will take place in 2021.
Michel Marie, manufacturing manager at Land Rover BAR, said: “Recycling the significant amounts of carbon fibre that we use in boat construction has been a concern for us for some while. So we are very pleased to have reached this agreement with ELG, and to be working with them and our exclusive sustainability partner, 11th Hour Racing, on carbon recycling.
“This will be a very significant issue, not just for the marine industry but for the wider world in the coming decades and we have to start now and push hard to develop awareness and find solutions," he added.
This approach means that Land Rover BAR will significantly cut down on its landfill footprint. The sailing team eventually plans to use recycled parts on its America's Cup raceboats in non-structural areas.
“In 2020, the demand for carbon fibre will outstretch the supply,” predicts Alan Boot of the Land Rover BAR manufacturing team. “It’s vitally important that we don’t send it to landfill, but we explore all opportunities to recycle the boats.
Meanwhile, Land Rover BAR has begun construction on its new TP52 monohull raceboat, which will compete in the 52 Super Series next year.