2/9/2023

OneSails Demonstrates Full Cycle Recyclable Sails

OneSails has revealed the capabilities of its recyclable 4T FORTE™️ sail membrane by turning Pip Hare’s previous Vendée Globe sails into marker pens. The project is an investment by OneSails to highlight the need to improve the sustainability of materials used in sailing. British sailor Pip Hare chose a OneSails 4T FORTE™️ sail wardrobe for the 2020-21 Vendée Globe round the world, solo race. OneSails’ 4T FORTE™️ composite sails are currently the only certified, fully recyclable sails on the market. Instead of glues, resins and solvents, OneSails uses heat fusion to bond the sails and the base polymer is 100% recyclable in a standard waste separation process. Having completed the event, Pip’s sails were stripped of their component parts before being recycled into polyethylene pellets. The pellets were then remoulded and made into marker pens to demonstrate the recycling circle. Pip Hare commented, “This is a really exciting project for us. It’s the first time that a set of sails that have been around the world on an IMOCA are going to be recycled.” John Parker from OneSails GBR added, “The project demonstrates OneSails’ commitment to extending the life cycle of its sails and is the first trial showing what can be achieved by recycling 4T FORTE. Whether you’re an offshore racer or simply looking to lower the carbon footprint of your cruising yacht, 4T FORTE delivers on performance and eco credentials.”   The IMOCA Class recently revealed changes to the class rules for 2021-2025 that are designed to help limit environmental impact, requiring teams to use more sustainable materials. The new rules state that “by 2023, every competitor shall have aboard one ‘Green Sail’ among the eight permitted on IMOCA Globe Series Championship races. This sail can be made from alternative materials and/or be fully recyclable.”