Eyewear frames from ghost nets

Nylon nets collected during coastal clean-ups were recycled into eyewear frames; sales income funds new clean-up dives.

How it was done

1. 01CollectionNets were separated and weighed at monthly clean-ups.
2. 02ProcessingNylon nets were turned into granules at a recycling facility.
3. 03ProductA limited run of frames was produced with a local designer; income returned to the NGO.

Results achieved

• 600 kg of nets were recycled in one year.
• Product income financed two new clean-up campaigns.
• The model was published as a step-by-step guide for other NGOs.

Measurable outputs

Climate relevance

Recycled nylon replaces virgin polymer in the finished product, avoiding the emissions of new material, while the nets themselves stop fragmenting on the seabed. Income from the product keeps the removal dives running without new funding.

Conditions for replication

Needs a recycling facility that accepts marine nylon, a designer or manufacturer willing to work with a small and variable batch, and a route to market. Nets have to be sorted by polymer, otherwise the material cannot be granulated.

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