Ocean-Bound Collection and Upcycling of Mixed Plastics in Patagonia (PPRS)

This project collects discarded fishing gear in Patagonia, which has been hard hit by the plastic pollution crisis, and upcycles it into plastic crates. 

Abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear is the deadliest form of marine plastic, posing a threat to the majority of marine animals including whales, turtles and birds.  Some nets are lost by accident, but many are dumped in the ocean when they are no longer usable due a lack of collection and end of life solution.  Plastic nets and fishing line, which are made to withstand tough conditions, are durable and don’t break down easily.  

This project has formed an alliance with a local fishing net factory, which encourages fishing fleets and fishermen to bring in used gear, such as nets, crates and buoys to collection points at ports across Argentina. Fishermen can also drop off used nets when they go in to purchase new ones. The project buys the used equipment from their partner and upcycles this mixed plastic into crates. The project has also partnered with local authorities for beach cleanup events.

Funding from credits helps assign a value to used plastic fishing gear, creating a circular economy. Without credits, this plastic wouldn’t be collected for recycling or upcycling.