Innovative Recycling Project for Abandoned Fishing Nets in Izu Inatori

On June 1, 2023, the Refineverse Group hosted an engaging community event called the "Abandoned Fishing Nets Recovery and Recycling Project" at the Inatori Marine Sports Center in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Part of the campaign known as "Zero Marine Waste Week" (taking place from May 30 to June 8, 2025), this initiative aimed to educate participants about marine conservation while actively involving them in recycling efforts.

The event attracted 27 volunteers, including students and corporate members, who worked together to sort fishing nets typically used for deep-sea fish such as Kinmedai and tuna. After the nets were collected, they were taken to the group’s factory, where impurities were removed. They were then transformed into high-quality recycled nylon pellets called REAMIDE®, which can be utilized in a variety of applications, from apparel to interior materials.

Background of the Project

The rise of marine plastic waste has become a pressing global issue, with abandoned fishing gear, often referred to as "ghost gear," posing significant threats to marine ecosystems. This project is a collaboration between PADI Japan, advocating for ghost gear solutions, and Refineverse Group, which specializes in recycling technologies for discarded fishing nets. Their goal is to promote environmental conservation in the ocean and foster coexistence with local fishing communities in Izu Inatori.

Recycling fishing nets, which primarily consist of nylon, requires meticulous attention, such as removing metal components like hooks and rings piece by piece. Since about 2023, Refineverse and PADI Japan have initiated this project to raise awareness about the issues related to marine waste and ghost gear, encouraging volunteers to experience the sorting process firsthand. This hands-on involvement aims to provide an understanding of the recycling process and the significance of circular resource management.

Event Report

During this third event, a vibrant atmosphere was set by the welcoming address from Yoshihisa Suzuki, the Deputy Mayor of Higashi-Izu Town. Volunteers included students from Doshisha University, members of the University of Tokyo’s Marine Research Club, and representatives from apparel companies. Participants were pleasantly surprised by the sheer amount of metal fittings they encountered, prompting comments like, "I didn't know there were so many types of nets!" This experience vividly illustrated the realities of resource recycling.

Over two hours, volunteers meticulously extracted metal parts from the fishing nets, successfully sorting a larger volume of nets than anticipated. Many participants, some handling fishing nets for the first time, gained insight into the difficulty of manual labor and reevaluated their perceptions of waste value.

At the end of the event, they received promotional items made from REAMIDE®, reinforcing the project's lesson on sustainability and the potential of recycled materials. Participants expressed their astonishment at the durability of end products derived from what was once waste.

REAMIDE®: High-Quality Recycled Nylon Pellets

The collected fishing nets are sent to Refineverse's facility in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, where they are stripped of foreign materials and converted into REAMIDE® nylon pellets. This facility works to repurpose fishing nets, scrap airbags, and various other materials into sustainable resources. REAMIDE® is now employed in the production of a diverse range of products, including construction materials, electronics, apparel, and office furniture.

The fishing nets collected during this project will once again contribute to society as they are transformed into REAMIDE®, becoming raw materials for new products. Moreover, the project distributed a novelty item—a tape dispenser incorporating REAMIDE®—further promoting awareness about recycling.

About Refineverse Group

"Connecting future prosperity through unique perspectives and technology" has been the guiding philosophy of Refineverse Group for over 20 years as they implement circular economy practices. Through operations that recover and regenerate various materials, such as transforming discarded carpet tiles into recycled material and producing high-quality REAMIDE® from old fishing nets and airbags, they are leading the charge toward a sustainable future. Since 2023, they have ventured into the development of a new bio-material called ReFEZER™, made from bird feathers, further expanding their efforts to cultivate a circular economy.

Through projects like these, Refineverse aims not only to innovate recycling practices but also to foster a culture of sustainability within communities. The collaboration with PADI Japan signifies a commitment to addressing marine pollution while also educating future generations on the importance of responsible waste management and resource conservation.