Skip to content

Recycled plastic pots traced back to repurposed fishing nets

Reclaimed fishing debris is being repurposed as stylish, origami-style planters, courtesy of a Glasgow-based enterprise turning ocean waste into innovative design.

Repurposed Plastic: Pots Crafted from Recycled Fishing Nets
Repurposed Plastic: Pots Crafted from Recycled Fishing Nets

Recycled plastic pots traced back to repurposed fishing nets

In the heart of Scotland, a revolutionary startup named POTR is making waves in the fight against marine pollution. The company, founded by Andrew Flynn, a lecturer at The Glasgow School of Art, has established a unique UK supply chain that recovers discarded fishing nets and transforms them into origami-inspired planters.

The fishing and aquaculture industry in Scotland and England generates around 6,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. Much of this waste ends up in the seas or on shorelines, contributing to the problem of ghost gear - discarded fishing nets and other equipment that continue to pose a threat to marine life.

POTR's ocean pots are designed to combat this issue. Made from plastic recovered from these discarded fishing nets, each pot carries a QR code linking to data about its recovery. The origami-inspired design of the ocean pots allows them to be flatpacked for shipping, reducing transport costs by 100 times.

The company relies on financial backing from readers to fund its operations and share its stories. Contributions can be made from as little as £1, with the goal of growing the community to change the news for good. Contributions directly fund the production and sharing of Positive News' stories, helping its solutions journalism to reach more people.

Each tonne of recovered plastic yields 5,000 ocean pots, providing a tangible way for supporters to contribute to the cause. POTR is donating 4% of its profits to cleanup efforts, furthering its commitment to a cleaner ocean.

Waterhaul, Cornish marine waste specialists, plays a crucial role in this supply chain. Co-founder Harry Dennis has stated that ghost gear is the most damaging form of plastic in the sea. By working with POTR, they can turn discarded fishing net material into something useful, beautiful, and desirable for homes.

Positive News, an independent, not-for-profit media organization that focuses on solutions journalism, is another key player in this story. It provides a balanced and uplifting view of the world, relying on its readers for financial support to continue its mission.

With the support of its 1,500+ supporters, Positive News is making a difference, one ocean pot at a time. By choosing to support POTR, you're not just getting a unique planter; you're helping to clean up our oceans and support solutions journalism.

Read also:

Latest