“Process of Converting Abandoned Fishing Nets into Nylon Filaments for 3D Printing”
Fishing nets are essential equipment for fishermen globally. Unfortunately, a significant number of them find their way to landfills, or worse, pollute our oceans. A man named Ian Falconer witnessed this issue firsthand. Originating from Cornwall in the UK, he resided in an area celebrated for its robust fishing sector. Distressed by the sight of abandoned nets near his home’s harbor, he embarked on a quest for a solution.
Leveraging his expertise in environmental and mining geology, Falconer devised an innovative approach. Together with his team, he gathered the discarded nets, then shredded and melted the plastic to create nylon filaments suitable for 3D printing. What began as experiments in his kitchen has evolved into a global initiative known as 0rCA.
The 3D filament generated by 0rCA has been transformed into a diverse range of products, including sunglasses, buttons, razor blade handles, earrings, and lamps. When combined with waste carbon fiber from automotive and aerospace industries, it can also be repurposed into components for racing bicycles and electronic casings.
Throughout its eight years of operation, 0rCA has secured $1.32 million in investments across more than 40 countries. This funding has allowed Falconer to develop machinery capable of converting over 45 pounds of nylon fishing nets into filament each hour. Moreover, all necessary equipment fits neatly into a shipping container, facilitating easy exportation and operation. According to the inventor, his recycling process results in less than 3% of the carbon emissions typically associated with the production of new nylon.
Beyond recycling materials, this project plays a crucial role in preserving ocean cleanliness. Falconer estimates that one million tons of fishing nets are disposed of annually. Their duration of use is closely linked to their very function. Initially, they possess a clear blue color but eventually develop an algal biofilm that causes them to appear a murky gray. As they become more conspicuous, fish tend to steer clear of them, leading to reduced catches. Additionally, because fishing nets can easily get entangled, many landfill operators are reluctant to accept them, often imposing hefty fees for fishermen to dispose of their used nets, and many cannot afford to incinerate them.
Falconer shared with Cornwall Live that the fishermen he collaborates with are delighted to contribute to the solution by donating their old nets instead of exacerbating the issue. “They appreciate being able to see where their nets end up,” he elaborated. “Because when they go into a bin and are whisked away, they’re out of sight, out of mind. So they take pride in being part of this effort within their community.”
So far, nations like Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, South Africa, and Vietnam have shown interest in adopting Falconer’s technology; a testament to how local challenges can evolve into global solutions. “You could have one of these at every harbor worldwide, transforming a costly and hazardous waste into a valuable raw material,” he conveyed to The Guardian.
To find out more and stay informed about this initiative, visit 0rCA’s website.
It is estimated that each year, a million tons of plastic fishing nets are thrown away in the ocean.
To address this, a man named Ian Falconer developed a method to convert discarded fishing nets into filament for 3D printing.
Starting with experiments in his kitchen, it has now expanded into a global operation called 0rCA.
The 3D filament created by 0rCA has been utilized to make various products such as sunglasses, buttons, razor blade handles, earrings, and lamps.
And all the necessary equipment fits in a shipping container, making it simple to export and set up in ports worldwide.
0rCA: Website | <a href="https://