Innovation and Circularity in Aquaculture
The global fishing and aquaculture industry is at a pivotal crossroads, with sustainability and innovation becoming more critical than ever. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aquaculture accounts for over 50% of the world’s fish production (source: https://www.fao.org/state-of-fisheries-aquaculture) and demand continues to rise as the global population grows. However, this growth comes with significant environmental challenges, such as overfishing, marine pollution, and the disposal of fishing gear at the end of its life cycle. This pressing issue underscores the importance of adopting circular economy principles and finding sustainable alternatives in the aquaculture industry.
At Aquafil, we are proud to collaborate with industry stakeholders to address these challenges by offering innovative solutions for creating more sustainable fishing nets that can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle. By leveraging ECONYL® regenerated nylon, we aim to set a new standard for responsible practices in aquaculture and contribute to a healthier marine environment.
Aquafil’s Commitment to Circularity in Aquaculture
Aquafil is proud to contribute to the future of aquaculture through strategic collaborations that promote innovation and circularity. By utilizing ECONYL® regenerated nylon, we support the industry and encourage the adoption of more responsible practices, paving the way for a sustainable and efficient aquaculture sector.
Advancing Responsibility in Aquaculture
Aquafil Chile plays a pivotal role in advancing circularity within the aquaculture industry. Through the ACCA (Aquafil Chile and Atando Cabos) initiative and the facility in Puerto Montt, the company collects and sorts end-of-life fishing gear. This initiative not only provides a practical solution for managing these materials but also reinforces circular production models, fostering a more responsible approach throughout the sector.
Find out more.
Collaboration with Philosofish and Diopas
Philosofish, a leading Greek company in the aquaculture sector, and Diopas, a manufacturer specializing in nets made from recycled materials, are working with Aquafil to develop highly durable nets made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon. These nets, created using cutting-edge technology, are designed to ensure greater longevity and optimal performance under real-world conditions. This project represents a significant step towards meaningful change in the aquaculture sector by promoting more responsible models.
Discover more about this collaboration.
Innovation in Norwegian Salmon Farming
Aquafil has launched a strategic collaboration with Nofir and other industry partners to develop the first high-tenacity net made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon. This project provides an innovative and practical solution to address the challenges of Norwegian salmon farming, one of the most demanding sectors in aquaculture. The introduction of nets made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon marks a turning point towards a more responsible supply chain, aligned with the principles of circularity and innovative production models.
Learn more about the project.
Towards a Responsible Future in Aquaculture
Through collaborations like these, Aquafil is driving an aquaculture model that seamlessly combines innovation and responsibility. By embracing circularity and fostering partnerships, we aim to create a more conscious future for the industry while protecting marine ecosystems for generations to come.
Recent Events
As part of its commitment to innovation and circularity, Aquafil has actively participated in significant events showcasing its dedication to responsible practices:
- International Conference of Fishing Communities: Held in Jeju, South Korea, this event provided an opportunity to present Aquafil’s project on circularity in aquaculture fishing nets.
- Giulio Bonazzi at AquaForum 2024: During AquaForum 2024, Aquafil’s CEO shared the company’s contribution to advancing circularity in aquaculture, highlighting innovative approaches and collaborations that support the transition to a more responsible industry.