What are the social trends within the industry?
Presently, Sweden has one of the highest numbers of recreational boats per capita, and the popularity of boating is on the rise which leads to increasing demand in the boat yard industry according to Lars Sköld, boat manufacturer. However, research indicates that boating has adverse effects on the environment, leading to added strain on our ports and coastal waters.
One major issue today is that despite requirements and laws regulating the use of certain paints in specific bodies of water, it still happens that customers bring in boats with prohibited paint. Many boat owners use old paint they have at home or paints that are only allowed in certain conditions. These paints pose environmental and health risks for workers, says Ebba Lind at Ringens varv Marstrand.
The reason why boat owners choose not to follow the requirements is that they want to stick to their old habits since they know it works. Additionally, it is common for boat owners to want the most toxic paint since it is considered the most effective. As a result, a significant amount of copper and zink end up in the water. However, a generational shift is underway, with younger and more environmentally conscious boat owners increasingly seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
Another aspect of social trends
It has become a trend in society to acquire longer educations which has meant a decrease in the potential labor force at boatyards. Lars Sköld, former boat manufacturer, considers this to be a consequence of the industry becoming less attractive and there not being any relevant education path to work at a boatyard.
