Sustainability

high performance eco-friendly decking

Marinedeck 2000 provides a sustainable option compared to traditional teak decking and synthetic alternatives. It uses natural cork harvested from the bark of cork oak trees (Quercus suber) without felling the trees.
 
Why Cork?  
Cork is harvested every 7–9 years from living trees in Portugal’s cork oak forests, a process that allows the trees to regenerate and continue growing. These forests are managed under strict European regulations, and the suppliers are FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council), ensuring responsible forest management and full traceability. Unlike teak, which can involve unsustainable logging in some regions leading to deforestation concerns, cork harvesting supports the long-term health of the forests. The trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis, and harvesting stimulates regeneration (studies show stripped trees can absorb more CO₂ during regrowth than unharvested ones).

Marinedeck 2000 cork is:

  • Sourced Exclusively from Portugal: Home to the world’s largest cork oak forests.
  • FSC-Certified: For responsible forest management practices.
  • Rigorously selected by STAZO for consistent marine-grade quality.

Manufacturing Process: 

STAZO combines cork granules with a hybrid synthetic binder that meets REACH environmental standards for durability and low environmental impact. Precision production (high-pressure machinery, CNC cutting, CAD design) minimizes waste through quality controls.

This approach offers a lighter, durable decking material with lower resource demands than traditional teak processing.

Why Choose Marinedeck 2000? 

Teak faces significant challenges, including variable sustainability sourcing, high maintenance requirements, escalating costs, and severe availability issues in the UK. Genuine high-quality teak—especially old-growth Burmese/Myanmar teak—has become almost impossible to source. 
Some synthetic teak alternatives, while low-maintenance initially, often require full replacement after 5-10 years due to fading, wear, adhesive failure, or material degradation under harsh marine conditions. In contrast, Marinedeck 2000 delivers exceptional long-term durability – proven in real installations for over 30 years. This means you won’t need to replace your decking as frequently, reducing long-term costs, downtime, and waste while maintaining performance.
Marinedeck 2000 is a natural, FSC-certified cork-based alternative that’s lightweight, non-slip, long-lasting, and built on proven, long-lasting performance.
 
Ready to make a sustainable choice for your boat?  Explore Marinedeck 2000 | Contact Us

cork harvesting process

Cork Bark Drying

Trees are never cut down!

Only the bark is stripped by hand in a skilled process that does not harm the tree and it is this regenerative cycle that makes cork one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the world. Cork trees can live to over 200 years old and harvesting the bark actually supports their growth.

The first cork harvest is when the tree is around 25 years old, and its trunk reaches a circumference of ~70 cm. The subsequent harvests are every 8-12 years thereafter so a single cork oak can be harvested around 15 to 18 times in its lifetime.

Cork's natural strength, Enhanced by Technology.
🌍Naturally Durable, Environmentally Responsible

Unlike plastic or PVC-based decking, which can degrade within 5–10 years, Marinedeck 2000 is engineered to last for decades. Its cork composite, enhanced by a sustainable polyurethane binder, minimizes environmental impact by:

  • Reducing Waste: Fewer replacements mean less material in landfills.
  • Lowering Maintenance: Durable, non-slip surface requires minimal upkeep compared to teak.
  • Cleaner Lifecycle: Biodegradable cork outperforms non-recyclable plastics like PVC.

🌍A Greener Alternative to Teak

Teak’s popularity comes at a cost—ethical sourcing issues, inconsistent quality, and high prices. Here’s why boat owners are choosing Marinedeck 2000 instead:

  • Burmese Teak: Nearly impossible to source legally due to illegal logging and deforestation in Myanmar.
  • Plantation Teak: Lacks the durability of old-growth teak, requiring frequent maintenance.
  • Indian Teak: Higher quality but increasingly expensive.
Marinedeck 2000 offers a practical and ethical solution and long-term durability, without the environmental drawbacks of unsustainable hardwoods.

Performance Above and Below Deck : 
Marinedeck 2000 isn’t just for exteriors!

It’s increasingly popular below deck as it can be sealed which makes it look good for longer and very easy to clean.  It is comfortable underfoot and acts as a thermal and acoustic insulator as well as being lightweight – to name a few of its benefits!

Durable, Repairable, and Easy to Maintain
We offer a standard 5-year warranty, but the product is designed to last far longer under real-world conditions. Maintenance is minimal — and on the rare occasion a repair is needed, only the affected section needs to be replaced plus repairs are quick, seamless, and virtually invisible.

Why We Believe in Marinedeck 2000

Marinedeck 2000 brings nature back on board — combining high performance with a low ecological footprint. It’s not just a smarter material choice; it’s a long-term investment in durability, sustainability, and comfort.

FSC Certification

FSC Forest Management System

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting responsible forest management worldwide. FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

The cork harvested for Marinedeck 2000 is FSC certified and our Portuguese cork supplier has played a vital role in promoting the lesser-known environmental advantages of cork.

In August 2010 the manufacturer of Marinedeck 2000 ” STAZO marine equipment b.v.” was audited, approved and certified for Marinedeck 2000 with the highest FSC accreditation. Warehousing and the entire production incl. planks, sheet and pre-fabricated decks of Marinedeck 2000 and documentation, all were found to be approved and certified with this highest rate of FSC certification. 

ecological importance of cork oak forests

 

These forests are critical in the fight against climate change:

 Forest-Level Carbon Sequestration

  • Across the Mediterranean, cork oak forests sequester approximately 14 million tonnes of CO₂ annually 
  • Within Portugal alone, cork oak ecosystems capture around 5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, which is about 5% of the nation’s total emissions 
 

Per-Tonne Cork Production Capture

  • Every 1 tonne of cork produced corresponds to roughly 73 tonnes of CO₂ captured, based on tree regeneration and forest absorption.
  • Consequently, an annual cork harvest of 350,000 tonnes equates to about 182,000 tonnes of CO₂ fixed each year

Cork oak forests form one of the most unique and biodiverse ecosystems in the world, offering:

  • Habitat protection for endangered and native species such as the Iberian lynx and imperial eagle.
  • Soil conservation and water cycle regulation, especially vital in arid regions.
  • A natural barrier against desertification and erosion in southern Europe.