MiniLab, a real-world innovation platform based in Lorient, France, is dedicated to enhancing environmental performance in offshore racing by providing comprehensive testing solutions in both laboratory settings and real-life conditions. At the heart of MiniLab’s mission lies the drive to accelerate the development and market adoption of sustainable marine technologies.
To address the growing demand for environmentally responsible materials in the competitive sailing sector, MiniLab initiated a groundbreaking project to create recyclable foils made from thermoplastic composites. Collaborating closely with industry leaders, including Diab, Avel Robotics, Compositic, IRMA, and Victrex, MiniLab developed a foil structure that not only meets stringent racing requirements but also significantly reduces environmental impact.
Diab played a crucial role by supplying recyclable Divinycell PET foam for the sandwich layers within the foils. This lightweight PET foam provided essential structural integrity and contributed directly to the recyclability of the foils, complementing the primary structure built with LMPAEK™ material provided by Victrex. In total, the innovative foils incorporate 80% recyclable materials, along with 10% production waste, effectively reducing the environmental footprint compared to traditional thermoset composite solutions.
The project’s success relied heavily on thorough validation processes. Following meticulous design and laboratory testing to verify mechanical performance and recyclability, the MiniLab team, along with their partners Compositic, Avel Robotics, and Pixel sur Mer who included the optical fibers in the foils, confirmed the theoretical performance of the foils under controlled conditions. Subsequent offshore testing was conducted onboard the Mini 6.50 yacht No. 754, MiniLab’s offshore laboratory platform, to validate real-life performance, durability, and environmental resilience.
The testing program culminated during the Mini Transat 2025, an Atlantic Ocean crossing that provided critical data on the foils’ structural integrity and efficiency under extreme and varied racing conditions.
Thermoplastic composite foils developed in collaboration with Diab deliver numerous advantages. Beyond improved recyclability and reduced waste during production, these foils offer outstanding mechanical properties, which are essential for offshore racing. The lightweight, robust design ensures competitive performance while significantly lowering environmental impact, critical factors for sustainable innovation within competitive sailing and beyond.
Through collaborative innovation, MiniLab is setting a new standard for sustainability in marine applications. This partnership not only showcases Diab’s commitment to sustainable development and innovative material solutions but also provides a proven, scalable approach applicable to broader sectors, including the automotive and aerospace industries. Together, MiniLab, Diab, and the other partners are driving the transition towards more eco-efficient and sustainable technologies.
For more information, please visit:
Contact information to Adrien Marchandise:
Skipper/President MiniLab:
31 rue d'Ouessant 56600 Lanester
Cofounder/CTO Avel Robotics:
7 rue Estienne d'Orves 56100 Lorient
Mob. +33 (0)6 49 81 08 53
