Implementing a circular economy for end-of-life boats

European Boating Industry (EBI) through the “Roadmap on the implementation of the circular economy for end-of-life boats” aims to comprehensively solve the issue of end-of-life recreational boats.

It is estimated that there are over 6.5 million boats in European waters, mostly smaller than 7.5 meters. They have a lifetime of up to 50 years or more. The number of boats reaching their end-of-life until 2030 is now projected at more than 30,000 boats per year in the EU. This would result in an average of around 23,1000 tons of end-of-life composite waste per year. Recreational and commercial marine make about 2-3% of the total composite use in Europe.

The industry, represented by EBI, commits to phasing out landfilling and energy recovery by 2030. It will expand the use of more sustainable recycling solutions in coordination with other composite use industries, such as wind energy. The Roadmap places the boating industry on a pathway to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and moving towards the circular economy. It issues concrete recommendations for stakeholders and policy-makers to implement that jointly ensure the achievement of the goals.

Public and private stakeholders, including national authorities, industry, consumers/boaters, academia, and related industries came together to develop a comprehensive approach. It follows the successful dismantling and recycling schemes already set up in many European countries.