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Expedition Zero has announced a strategic joint venture with Innovation Yachts to bring EcoMinera to market, the first mineral fibre and bio-based resin composite material proven under real-world marine conditions.
EcoMinera is the result of more than 15 years of research into sustainable materials and circular production processes. Unlike traditional composites, the material uses mineral fibre and bio-based resin to create a fully recyclable and chemical-free alternative.
It has already been validated in Innovation Yachts’ Open60 racing yacht, which has sailed thousands of ocean miles and is preparing for a world record attempt in 2026.
Innovation Yachts, led by solo sailor and engineer Norbert Sedlacek, has played a central role in demonstrating EcoMinera’s potential. A Vendée Globe finisher, Sedlacek has spent over a decade pioneering alternative yacht-building materials through Innovation Yachts.
“In 2012, after extensive in-house laboratory work, Innovation Yachts constructed the world’s first volcanic fibre prototype, the Open 16 FIPOFIX, and sailed three world first transatlantic records with this boat. In 2023, Innovation Yachts won the Ocean Tribute Award for the world’s first series-produced yacht, the Catamaran LBV35, which is fully recyclable and powered exclusively by renewable energy.
“That is why we now want to take the next step with our partner Expedition Zero and use our sustainable and recyclable yacht building concept for a new generation of yachts no matter which size,” said Sedlacek.
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The partnership marks a milestone for Expedition Zero, which focuses on developing commercially viable solutions to decarbonise the marine industry.
“This partnership brings us one step closer to our goal of building the world’s most sustainable fleet,” said Andrew Cowen, Co-Founder and CEO of Expedition Zero. “EcoMinera is a proven material that sets a new benchmark for marine sustainability, and we’re proud to be first to market with this technology after rigorous testing.”
According to Expedition Zero, EcoMinera outperforms fibreglass in both strength and weight, while also being corrosion-free, water-repellent, and resistant to impact and heat.
Built using circular production methods, it is designed to be 100% recyclable, providing a sustainable alternative to one of the most widely used, and polluting, materials in the marine sector.
The joint venture will see Expedition Zero and Innovation Yachts develop a new generation of yachts using EcoMinera, spanning both upcycled and new-build vessels aimed at the fast-growing adventure sailing market.
In parallel, the companies plan to accelerate wider applications of EcoMinera beyond yachting, supported by ongoing joint research and development.
“Our long-term ambition through this partnership and the launch of EcoMinera is to bring to market a commercially viable, sustainable substitute for fibreglass, thus removing one of the major pollutants in the marine industry,” said Cowen.
