Guillaume and Jules, class of 2025 Creative Technology students at ESILV, have designed the first recyclable kitesurf board at the Institute for Future Technologies. Fervent kitesurfers, these two engineering students are aware of traditional equipment’s often neglected ecological impact. They aim to rethink the manufacturing process to create a board that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The fruit of their shared vision, Forever, aims to bring kitesurfers and other riders closer to the environment in which they play while preserving it simultaneously.
IFT projects as a source of inspiration
An existing IFT project inspired the creation of the first fully recyclable kiteboard, an organic skateboard designed by two engineering students in 2023.
For Guillaume and Jules, the organic skateboard is a fantastic project. However, it was necessary for them to go further to make these boards entirely recyclable.
Although the products in the skateboard project come from nature, they were not recyclable. The organic materials used in the board were glued with resin, which complicated recycling.
Creating “Forever” at the IFT.
The challenge: how to make an end-of-life board 100% recyclable
Guillaume Egmann and Jules Gueguen realised that action was imperative. They have succeeded in creating the world’s first recyclable kitesurf board, which recovers all the materials needed to meet these environmental challenges.
They aim to use these advances to develop sustainable products that benefit the sport and the environment.
We aim to use these recycled materials in other future projects. For example, we plan to manufacture glasses or watch bases using recycled carbon. Moreover, we could use the flax fibres to make designer furniture, such as a chair – Guillaume Egmann.
The two engineering students carefully selected materials from France and Spain to achieve this. They prioritised bio-sourced, upcycled, and recyclable options.
They focused on the resin, an essential element for both the board’s performance and durability, which, in their case, is specially formulated for several life cycles.
‘Forever’ the kitesurf board
The students have named their kiteboard ‘Forever’.
It may sound cliché, but the essence of this project lies in the board’s life cycle. Our ambition is for the board to exist throughout our lives, not just for five years like a regular board—Guillaume Egmann
Indeed, thanks to its materials, even if they are reused in another board or transformed into another object such as a telephone, a piece of furniture or something else, they always remain present.
For us, ‘Forever’ reflects this idea perfectly – it’s the essence of our project’s name and raison d’être,’ says Guillaume.
Each life cycle of their board is designed to minimise its ecological impact.
Forever in action!
From ESILV to Marketing Forever
The two students want to pave the way for a new era in kitesurfing.
For the future of this project, we’ve been looking at obtaining a patent, but that’s proving to be rather complicated because of the innovation it represents – explained Guillaume..
They are currently discussing with a company to bring the project to fruition and market it to the public.
The aim is for everyone to benefit from it because there’s no point in creating something new if no one can. This project is good not only for sport but also for the environment – Guillaume.
This board is more than just an object for Guillaume and Jules. It results from hard work, careful thought and a commitment to a more sustainable future for sport and our planet.
Learn more about the major Creative Technology
This post was last modified on 26 July 2024 10:08 am