In a world where the oceans are increasingly burdened by plastic waste, a significant contributor to this environmental crisis is lost and abandoned fishing gear. According to GREENPEACE, over 640,000 tonnes of commercial fishing nets, lines, and traps are discarded into the oceans annually, posing a deadly threat to marine life. Compounding this problem is the issue of textile waste and resource depletion in the textile industry.
AquafilSLO’s Revolutionary Approach to Ocean Waste
In response to these challenges, AquafilSLO, a Slovenian company, has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable solutions. They have developed a groundbreaking process to recycle (process and reuse) fishing nets and other waste materials from around the world. AquafilSLO is a leader in producing nylon 6, a material widely used in the clothing and flooring industry, exclusively from these waste raw materials.
Company Profile: AquafilSLO and ECONYL® Regeneration System
AquafilSLO, the largest producer of textile fibers in Slovenia, specializes in nylon 6 production for the clothing and flooring industry. Since 2011, they have been utilizing the ECONYL® Regeneration System, a unique global process that produces ECONYL® regenerated nylon from end-of-life products such as fishing nets, textile floor coverings, and industrial residues containing nylon.
Part of the international Aquafil group, which operates 18 factories across three continents, AquafilSLO has become a reference in polyamide 6 production, known for its product quality and innovation. The group’s mission centers around conserving resources, revitalizing materials, and increasing operational efficiency to create sustainable value.
The Environmental Impact of ECONYL® Nylon 6
ECONYL® nylon 6, developed by AquafilSLO, boasts the same properties as traditional nylon derived from fossil sources but with a significantly smaller environmental footprint. The production process of ECONYL® reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to the conventional petrochemical process. Remarkably, ECONYL® is exclusively sourced from waste materials, with at least 50% being post-consumer waste.
Aquafil’s Global Influence and Collaborations
Aquafil produces fibers for clothing and textile floor coverings from ECONYL®, partnering with many renowned brands committed to sustainability and the circular economy. These include Adidas, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Prada, and Slovenian brands Swimsor and Alpine Princess. Beyond textiles, ECONYL® nylon is also utilized in the production of eyeglass frames and designer chairs.
Learn More About AquafilSLO
Interested in discovering more about AquafilSLO’s innovative approach to sustainable nylon production and their contribution to a cleaner ocean? Visit Aquafil and Aquafil Slovenia for more information.
