The luxury yachting sector is undergoing a significant transformation as it grapples with the challenges posed by the use of teak, a prized tropical hardwood that has come under scrutiny due to its sustainability issues. High-profile cases, notably involving Jeff Bezos’s $500 million superyacht, Koru, have spotlighted the ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding the timber sourced from Myanmar. As luxury yacht manufacturers face increasing pressure to adopt more responsible practices, innovative alternatives to teak are gaining momentum.
The Legal Tangles of Teak Sourcing
Teak has long been revered for its durability and aesthetic appeal, making it a staple in yacht construction. However, the highest quality teak is primarily harvested from old-growth trees in Myanmar, where the timber industry has been linked to military control and unsustainable practices. Following a coup in 2021, the UK, EU, and US imposed strict trade sanctions on Myanmar’s timber sector, effectively banning its importation.
In late 2024, Dutch shipyard Oceanco, which constructed Koru, was fined for using Myanmar teak in the yacht’s interior. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the decking materials also originated from the same controversial sources. Similarly, UK-based Sunseeker faced penalties for its use of the same timber, both companies attributing their violations to lapses in due diligence.
The Shift Towards Sustainable Materials
With the increasing scrutiny surrounding teak, yacht builders are exploring a range of sustainable alternatives. These options include thermally-modified woods, synthetic materials, and engineered teak laminates. Though some of these alternatives have been available for years, recent advancements have enhanced their appeal and viability.
Walter Kollert, a forestry consultant and member of the TEAKNET steering committee, emphasised the urgency of finding substitutes. “We are in danger of losing old-growth teak forests which are part of a valuable ecosystem,” he stated, highlighting the environmental implications of the timber’s continued use.
Sunreef Yachts, a major player in the luxury yacht market, has taken a decisive step by eliminating teak from its offerings altogether. Co-founder Nicolas Lapp explained that this decision stems from both the challenges of sourcing quality plantation teak and a commitment to sustainable practices. The company is currently testing two new thermally-modified woods, which offer a similar aesthetic to teak while improving cleaning ease and thermal performance.
Innovations in Alternative Materials
Among the promising alternatives is Tesumo, a thermally-modified wood product launched in late 2021. Created through a collaboration between the University of Göttingen and Lürssen shipyard, Tesumo is crafted from fast-growing African hardwood, treated to emulate the qualities of traditional teak. It has already been installed on notable yachts, such as the Lürssen-built superyacht Dragonfly, owned by Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
Synthetic substitutes are also evolving. Flexiteek, a UK-made PVC alternative, has established itself as a market leader since its introduction in 2000. Its latest third-generation product boasts improved thermal performance and ease of maintenance, making it an attractive option for yacht builders.
Additionally, laminated teak offers a way to utilise plantation-grown timber that would normally be discarded. This engineered solution allows for the creation of stable, high-quality materials while maximising the use of the log. However, Richard Strauss, CEO of Teak Decking Systems, noted that despite the availability of alternatives, traditional plantation teak remains the top choice for many clients.
Navigating Customer Preferences
While industry leaders advocate for a shift away from teak, customer preferences pose a significant barrier. Lapp noted that many clients initially request teak, only to reconsider when they learn about the sustainability issues. “Once we show them the alternatives, they often realise they cannot distinguish between the two,” he remarked.
Conversely, some smaller yacht builders, such as Jeremy Rogers, continue to rely on teak sourced from reputable, government-managed plantations in Java. Jessie Rogers from the firm expressed her reservations about alternatives, stating, “The problem for the alternatives is there is nothing quite like real teak.”
Why it Matters
The transition away from teak in the yachting industry represents a critical shift towards more sustainable practices amid growing environmental concerns. As luxury yacht manufacturers increasingly face scrutiny over their sourcing decisions, the embrace of innovative materials not only addresses legal and ethical dilemmas but also signals a broader commitment to environmental stewardship. This evolution in the industry may pave the way for a sustainable future, setting a precedent for other luxury markets to follow.
