Caracol and NextChem (Maire Tecnimont group) partnered to create Beluga: a joint research project to produce the first 3D printed sailing boat prototype made in a single piece with MyReplastTM recycled material.

Traditional methods to produce sailing boats usually entail methods that require molds and use materials that are hard to recycle like fiberglass. For this reason, Caracol has employed its proprietary robotic Additive Manufacturing system to produce the hull of the sailing boat in a single piece. This large-scale Additive Manufacturing system works with an extruder patented by Caracol and a 6-axis robotic arm, generating significant advantages in terms of costs, sustainability, production lead time, and part performance.

Circular economy processes that give new life to plastic waste can become increasingly vital as a source of raw material for both design applications as well as industrial ones. The sailing boat presented has been manufactured using MyReplastTM material. This material recovered through upcycling processes of waste is an example of how recycled polymers can be used successfully to produce advanced components with high-performance requirements.