The Yachting Industry Searches for Alternatives to Teak
Tech titan Jeff Bezos’s $500 million (£366 million) superyacht, Koru, delivered in 2023, utilizes teak for both its interior and decking. The dense tropical hardwood is esteemed for its resistance to rot and salt, alongside its aesthetic appeal, which serves as a status symbol. However, the finest quality teak is harvested from old-growth trees in Myanmar, a source that is now shrouded in controversy due to ethical concerns and sustainability issues.
Teak’s Controversial Supply Chain
– Sustainability Issues: The teak trade in Myanmar is linked to military interests, and the timber is illegal to import into the UK, EU, and US due to sanctions imposed in 2021.
– Legal Challenges: The Netherlands-based shipyard Oceanco, which constructed the Koru, faced fines in late 2024 for using Myanmar teak in the yacht’s interior. The origin of the decking materials is currently under investigation in Germany.
– Industry Actions: Other luxury yacht makers, such as the UK-based Sunseeker, have also been penalized for teak sourcing violations. Both companies report these breaches as unintentional.
The Shift Towards Teak Alternatives
With the growing scrutiny around teak sources, the yachting industry is increasingly exploring alternatives. Options include thermally modified woods, synthetic materials, and engineered teak laminates.
– Market Innovations: Recent advancements have made these alternatives more viable, addressing both the industry’s sustainability demands and aesthetic preferences.
– Stock Depletion: The depletion of pre-sanction stockpiles of old-growth teak has accelerated the search for substitutes, making reliance on plantation teak more common.
Emerging Materials in Yachting
– Cork: Harvested sustainably from bark, cork is a low-carbon choice but struggles to appeal to everyone due to its appearance.
– Thermally Modified Woods: Sunreef has transitioned completely away from teak decking, opting for enhanced natural wood options. Their new products, including thermally modified woods, mimic the look of teak while offering improved thermal performance.
– Notable Products:
– Tesumo: Launched in 2021, this thermally modified wood has gained attention for its high-quality finish and performance. It is crafted from an undisclosed fast-growing African hardwood subjected to heat treatment and resin impregnation.
– Flexiteek: A leading PVC teak substitute, Flexiteek has been in the market since 2000 and recently introduced a third-generation product that boasts improved aesthetics and thermal efficiency.
Industry Perspectives and Forward Momentum
– Consultative Voices: Walter Kollert, a forestry consultant and TEAKNET steering committee member, emphasizes the ecological risks involved in losing old-growth teak forests. He notes that while the furniture industry has found it easier to adapt, the yachting sector faces unique challenges.
– Adaptation Examples: Richard Strauss from Teakdecking Systems highlights the company’s commitment to sourcing teak responsibly, sourcing from traders within the EU and utilizing plantation teak and alternative laminated materials.
Conclusion: A Cultural Shift Needed
As demand for traditional teak persists, industry leaders like Nicolas Lapp of Sunreef stress the importance of an educational shift regarding sustainable alternatives. Although many customers initially seek teak, they often come to appreciate the benefits of alternative materials when informed about their performance and sustainability. Other players, such as Jeremy Rogers’ family-run yacht building business, continue to use sustainably sourced teak while remaining open to adopting successful substitutes.
In summary, the yachting industry is actively seeking alternatives to teak, driven by ethical, legal, and environmental challenges. Innovations in materials are paving the way for a more sustainable future, but a collective shift in consumer attitudes towards these alternatives will be essential for lasting change.