During the 1950s, glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP/FRP/fibreglass) composites displaced wood as the material of choice for boats as it permitted easier manufacture, smoother hydrodynamic surfaces and significantly reduced the maintenance costs.

Such materials revolutionised not just the production of vessels, leisure in particular, but also the accessibility of boating to a much wider audience. However, the durability of the composite materials is now becoming an issue given that many boats are no longer required and disposal is not trivial.

In this episode, podcast host, Holly, is joined by two teams changing the way boats are built. Listen in to hear how material science is revolutionising recyclability in boat-building with a view to solve the end-of-life problem, with guests Alessandro Stagni from NL Comp and Patrick Pacchetti from RECARBON.