European Boating Industry (EBI), the association representing over 32,000 companies and more than 280,000 workers across Europe, is spearheading a new era of environmental responsibility in recreational boating with a project starting in 2024. To support this mission, EBI partnered with Quantis to develop a science-based life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology tailored to the sector. This foundational step will enable manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders to quantify environmental performance, drive sustainable design and prepare for EU regulations.
This initiative, known as Blue Boat Horizon, delivers a robust LCA methodology aligned with EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) requirements, along with case studies, guidance and plans for an accessible tool and data platform to foster widespread adoption.
Challenge
The recreational boating industry has historically been evaluated mainly through emissions at the use phase, missing the potential of innovation in broader environmental improvements across the lifecycle — from raw materials to end-of-life.
EBI recognised the urgent need for a harmonised, science-based framework to enable environmental action and trustworthy sustainability claims. The goal: create a common methodology the entire industry can rely on, regardless of size or location, to improve performance and align with regulatory expectations. This provides companies with a credible way to track progress and comply with forthcoming EU regulations such as the Green Claims Directive.
Solutions
To set a new standard for sustainability in recreational boating, EBI partnered with Quantis to develop the industry’s first science-based life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Co-created with 17+ manufacturers, 9+ national associations and strategic partners like ICOMIA, the framework was designed to be:
- Practical and scalable: Adaptable across the industry, including SMEs
- Regulation-ready: Aligned with EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) standards and independently reviewed
- Data-informed: Built on thousands of real usage data points
Quantis led the methodology development, facilitated stakeholder workshops and supported testing through pilot case studies. The resulting Version 1 covers the full lifecycle of recreational boats and identifies key impact areas, from climate change to resource use.
This foundational work sets the stage for follow-up and a broader rollout, including user-friendly LCA tools and databases to accelerate adoption and enable eco-design across the sector.
By working together, we are providing manufacturers the tools to drive change and engage the supply chain to ensure that boating remains an enjoyable and environmentally responsible pastime for generations to come.
Robert Marx, President, European Boating Industry
Results
Through this partnership, EBI is advancing a sector-wide shift toward sustainability, backed by a credible, science-based methodology. The LCA framework provides the clarity and structure needed to embed sustainability in product development, operations and communications — helping companies reduce impact, comply with regulations and build consumer trust.
The development of Blue Boat Horizon demonstrated the need for a unified LCA approach across the boating industry. As the project enters its global phase, EBI — together with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) — will continue refining the methodology through ongoing consultation, testing and development to ensure it meets the sector’s evolving needs.
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