Sustainability Articles
Super yacht decking has always been a tricky business. Among the myriad choices available, teak has been the go-to option for owners wanting long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing decks. But the debate surrounding the sourcing and sustainability of teak is coming to the fore, ushering in a new era of ethical yacht decking.
Prime within this discourse is Myanmar teak – long considered the gold standard. Emerging controversies regarding its sourcing have driven top suppliers to question the industry’s ethical boundaries. The response? A conscious swerve towards sustainable sourcing and verified certification, an approach aimed at not only preserving the environment, but also protecting suppliers themselves from legal pitfalls. One might argue that this is a case of enlightened self-interest, a necessary pivot in a world increasingly invested in environmental conservation.
For the uninitiated, the link between teak, a golden honey-brown wood, and the majestic allure of yachts might seem faint. However, one walk on a teak-decked yacht, feeling the grain of the elegant and instantly recognisable wood underfoot, would be enough to uncover this link. Truth be said, for many yacht owners, the thought of a yacht without a teak deck is simply unthinkable.
Yet however timeless and elegant teak might be, the world is changing, and so are attitudes towards teak usage. It may have been a beloved standard for years, but teak’s aesthetic legacy comes at a high environmental cost. Beyond its dwindling availability, the areas where teak is sourced — countries like Thailand, India, and Indonesia — are faced with rampant deforestation and illegal trade.