UPCYCLING THE OCEANS by Ecoalf
22 November 2017
ECOALF RECYCLED FABRICS, S.L.
Polymer pellets, ready to turn into yarn.
Polyester yarn made from marine debris.
Flakes on which plastic bottles are converted for further processing.
Description
Upcycling the Oceans project (UTO) by Ecoalf collects the trash that is destroying the oceans and turns it into top quality yarn to produce fabrics and products, thanks to the support of fishermen. As a result of this extraordinary project, Ecoalf has created a new 100% recycled filament, which is made of plastic bottles collected from the bottom of the Mediterranean. Ecoalf has achieved a 100% polyester recycled filament providing high technical quality and textures in tune with current trends without using additional natural resources.
Added value
- Minimising the use of natural resources;
- Minimising the use of water supply, carbon emissions and energy consumption: by using recycled PET, the process reduces 20% of water consumption, 50% of energy and 60% of CO2 emissions;
- No waste generated during yarn production;
- Overall preservation of marine life and environment.
Challenges
- Due to the disparity and poor quality of the waste that is being recovered from the oceans, the great innovation challenge lies in achieving an adequate level that ensures that the obtained yarn meets Ecoalf’s standards.
- Improving the profitability of the businesses: Currently this is a pilot project. The processes of transporting, management and recycling of the marine debris are expensive.
- The need to replicate the project around the world to obtain larger quantities of raw material. At the moment this takes place in Spain and Thailand (5 islands).
- Closing the loop: development of textile applications not only for PET but also for the rest of materials collected from the sea.
Partners
