Bureo converts waste nets into a fully traceable, premium 100% recycled Netplus. © Pertex
Together with Bureo of Oxnard, California, Lancashire, UK-based Pertex is creating lightweight nylon textiles using 100% recycled fishing net yarn from NetPlus.
Thanks to the collaboration, Pertex fabrics created with NetPlus will be included into the Autumn/Winter collections of several companies, such as Patagonia, Burton Snowboards, Jöttnar, Macpac, and Albion Cycling.
By offering fishermen an end-of-life option for their abandoned fishing nets, Bureo is attempting to eradicate fishing net pollution. It has been the sole provider of 100% recycled and abandoned fishing nets with complete traceability back to their source since its creation in 2013. The company works directly with fishing communities to provide the resources, training and incentives needed to responsibly dispose of their fishing nets at end of life.
The nets are transformed into premium, 100% recycled Netplus nylon 6, which is completely traceable and competitive with virgin nylon 6.
Quantum, Shield, and Equilibrium Pertex fabrics from NetPlus adhere to the same strict performance standards as the rest of the company’s product line, guaranteeing that there is no performance compromise. The materials are nevertheless breathable, light-weight, and strong. Pertex NetPlus textiles had the same rip strength and abrasion resistance in laboratory testing as virgin nylon textiles. In addition, switching to NetPlus reduces energy use by 68%, fossil fuel consumption by 67%, greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, and water use by 70%.
According to Pertex brand director Andy Laycock, “these fabrics are engineered to be direct replacements for fabrics made from virgin material, not just to be resigned to minor sustainable capsule collections.” “This helps to empower fishing communities and protect marine ecosystems while allowing significant and measurable reductions in the reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.”