Edura’s Recyclable PET Panels for Marine Use
Alexandra
Edura’s Woolwich, Maine production line operates in a 15,000-square-foot facility and manufactures structural panels at roughly a rate of one panel every two minutes, a throughput that shortens lead times for boatyards and charter operators facing supply-chain constraints in composite cores and finishing materials.
Origins: from storage boxes to marine-grade panels
The material evolution began with siblings Emily and Ben Davis adapting foam-cored composites for modular storage and shelter during pandemic-era container shortages. Their OpBox project demonstrated rapid prototyping and field durability; subsequent refinement produced Edura Building Systems’ marine panels. Early prototypes were built with guidance from multihull pioneer Walter Greene and longtime shop manager Charlie Smith, blending traditional composite know-how with recyclable feedstocks.
Why PET foam core matters
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam is produced from post-consumer drink and food containers and forms a closed-cell structural core. The closed-cell nature provides stiffness, moisture resistance, and predictable bonding surfaces — critical attributes for marine interiors, companionways, and lightweight furniture on cruising and charter boats. Edura’s approach eliminates the need for additional polyester resin and fiberglass skins by fusing a PET-and-glass-fiber laminate to the foam in a heated press, simplifying downstream finishing and reducing hazardous waste streams.
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Panel specifications and shop advantages
| Characteristic | Edura Panel | Comparable Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | Recycled PET foam | Coosa, foam cores |
| Surface | PET + glass fiber laminate (linen texture) | Fiberglass + polyester resin, plywood |
| Thicknesses | 1½", ¾", ½" (38mm, 19mm, 13mm) | Varies |
| Sheet sizes | 4'×8' and 4'×10' (1.2×2.4m, 1.2×3m) | Custom |
| Weight | ~Half that of Coosa; less than half of Okoume plywood | Heavier |
| Production rate | ~1 panel / 2 minutes | Typical layup times vary |
Workshop workflow benefits
- Fast cutting and bonding: panels can be sawed and routed with basic woodworking tools and bond well with epoxy or marine adhesives without extensive surface prep.
- Reduced finishing labor: the linen-textured PET skin accepts paint directly, avoiding amine-blush cleanup and long cure waits typical of polyester systems.
- Forming flexibility: uncut ½" stock bends slightly; kerfing enables dramatic radii and bullnose features while keeping the convex skin intact.
- Edge treatments: raw edges can be closed with fiberglass tape and resin or backfilled with epoxy after routing the foam.
Comparative durability and serviceability
Because the panels are manufactured without polyester resin skins, there is no amine blush and fewer volatile production residues. The PET laminate is impervious to rot and far less prone to delamination in wet bilge environments compared with plywood, a clear advantage for marine interiors, companionways, and cabinetry on both private and charter yachts.
Applications for charter fleets, marinas, and boat rentals
Lightweight, recyclable panels suit multiple uses in the leisure marine sector: interior joinery for dayboats and charter yachts, companionway steps (as already demonstrated by boatbuilder Matt Steverson), modular galley units for refit projects, and mobile harbor infrastructure such as pop-up kiosks and service huts. For operators managing fleets across marinas, the reduced weight translates into easier installation, lower transport costs, and smaller crew requirements during refits.
Sustainability and end-of-life considerations
Recyclability is central: by specifying PET foams and PET-based laminate skins, Edura avoids single-use fiberglass/resin assemblies that are difficult to reclaim. Panels can feed back into recycling streams at end-of-life, aligning with growing environmental expectations from charter guests and marina operators who promote cleaner seas and responsible waste management.
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Highlights: Edura’s recycled PET panels stand out for lightweight strength, rapid production, and recyclability; they lower labor and finishing time while offering weather-resistant interiors suitable for small craft and larger charter platforms. These technical benefits make them attractive to refit shops, boat rental operators, and builders seeking predictable, rot-free materials. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
In summary, Edura’s panels combine recycled PET cores and fused PET/glass skins to deliver a lighter, rot-resistant alternative to plywood and some foam products, offering time and labor savings for boatyards and charter operators. The panels’ specs, fast production cadence, and recyclability will inform choices in yacht interiors, charter refits, marina structures, and modular superyacht support equipment. For those planning charters, sales, or refits, platforms like GetBoat.com provide a transparent, user-friendly way to find the right yacht, boat, or charter experience—whether you aim to rent, buy, or explore new destinations—supporting activities from sailing and fishing to lake and gulf cruising with clear listings, marinas info, and owner ratings. Set your course.
