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Bezos's superyacht highlights teak controversy
Jeff Bezos's $500 million superyacht, Koru, delivered in 2023, has reignited scrutiny over the luxury yacht industry's reliance on teak-a tropical hardwood prized for its durability, beauty, and status symbolism. The vessel, built by Netherlands-based shipyard Oceanco, was fined in late 2024 for using Myanmar teak in its interior, a material banned in the UK, EU, and US due to its links to Myanmar's military regime and unsustainable harvesting practices.
Illegal sourcing and enforcement crackdowns
The highest-quality teak originates from old-growth trees in Myanmar's natural forests, controlled by the country's military-linked timber sector. Trade sanctions imposed in 2021 following Myanmar's coup have failed to halt the wood's flow into global supply chains, often mislabeled as plantation teak from other countries. Investigations are underway in Germany to determine whether Koru's deck also contains illegal Myanmar teak, with authorities tracing the wood's first importer.
UK-based yacht maker Sunseeker faced similar penalties in late 2024 for unintentional breaches, citing lapses in due diligence. Both companies have pledged to strengthen compliance, but industry observers note that Myanmar teak continues to infiltrate markets despite restrictions.
Alternatives emerge as old-growth teak dwindles
With pre-sanctions stockpiles of old-growth teak nearing depletion, yacht builders are increasingly turning to alternatives. Options range from thermally modified woods and synthetic materials to engineered teak laminates, though high-end shipyards have historically viewed plantation teak-harvested from younger trees-as inferior due to its shorter, lighter boards.
"We are in danger of losing old-growth teak forests, which are part of a valuable ecosystem," warns Walter Kollert, a forestry consultant and member of TEAKNET, an international teak information network. He notes that while furniture and housing industries have adapted to plantation teak, the yacht sector's exacting standards make substitution harder.
Walter Kollert, TEAKNET
Innovations in teak substitutes
Poland- and Dubai-based Sunreef Yachts announced in October 2025 that it would phase out teak entirely, citing sourcing challenges and sustainability goals. Co-founder Nicolas Lapp explains that plantation teak often yields unusable wood, prompting the company to adopt two thermally modified woods-unnamed for now-which mimic teak's appearance while offering better thermal performance and easier maintenance.
One such product, Tesumo, launched in 2021 by a German company, has gained traction among elite builders. Developed with input from Lürssen shipyard, it uses a fast-growing African hardwood treated with heat and resin. High-profile installations include superyachts linked to Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.
Synthetic alternatives are also advancing. UK-based Flexiteek, a PVC teak substitute introduced in 2000, released its third-generation product in late 2024, boasting improved durability, color retention, and thermal efficiency. "It stays cooler in the sun and reduces the need for air conditioning," says Steve Moore, the company's marketing manager.
Engineered solutions and lingering resistance
Engineered teak laminates, like Florida-based Teak Decking Systems' Green Teak, offer another solution. By slicing and gluing plantation teak that would otherwise be discarded, the process maximizes log usage while maintaining a teak-like appearance. Richard Strauss, the company's CEO, notes that plantation teak remains the most popular choice among customers, despite alternatives.
However, some builders resist change. Jeremy Rogers, a UK family-run yacht business, continues to use teak from government-managed plantations in Java, citing its unmatched quality. "The problem for alternatives is there's nothing quite like real teak," says Jessie Rogers, though she acknowledges past experiments with substitutes fell short.
Cultural shift needed, say industry leaders
Sunreef's Lapp argues that a broader cultural shift is necessary to move the industry away from teak. "Customers initially want teak until they learn about the issues and see the benefits of alternatives," he says. "Then they realize they can't tell the difference."
As enforcement tightens and old-growth teak becomes scarcer, the luxury yacht sector faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices-whether through innovation, regulation, or changing consumer expectations.
