“AKVA group Egersund Net will produce netting based on regenerated nylon and test its quality in the laboratory. The testing includes measures such as tensile strength, elasticity, durability, shrinkage, and the effects of anti-fouling.
Additionally, it will involve the production of full-scale nets,” says Karen Kvalheim, the Innovation Manager for Research at AKVA group in Egersund.
A Circular Future
For AKVA group to succeed in producing recycled nets, they rely on multiple collaborative actors within a complex value chain.
"Our advantage is that we have had this collaboration for many years, which puts us in a position to succeed. We are also a significant player in the net market, so if we succeed, it will make a significant contribution to making the entire aquaculture industry more sustainable and circular in the future. It will also reinforce AKVA group's reputation as a forward-thinking and innovative player in the market," she says.
Plastic Responsibility
The goal of producing circular nets is to offer more environmentally friendly products to the aquaculture industry. As a producer of plastic components, AKVA group has a responsibility to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated through production. At the same time, there are increasing demands from organizations and the general public for the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
In the production facility of AKVA group Egersund Net, mainly nylon netting but also a smaller proportion of UHMWPE netting is produced. (Image Credit: AKVA group)
"The EU Plastic Directive holds us, as plastic component producers, responsible for reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions," says Kvalheim.
The collaboration project officially started on June 1, with high expectations of achieving a sustainable and circular future for the aquaculture industry. The project is planned to run until June 2025.
The project receives support from the Handelens Miljøfond (Trade's Environmental Fund). Additionally, AKVA group receives support from SkatteFUNN for the project "Circular Net Construction," which involves both regenerated nylon netting and recycled ropes.
