Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) has launched an innovative project focused on valorizing marine waste by recycling discarded fishing nets into filament for 3D printing, informs Residuos Profesional. The initiative combines materials research, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic development in coastal communities.

The project, led by researcher Nuttapol Risangud, focuses on utilizing so-called "ghost nets"—fishing gear abandoned or lost at sea that continues to trap marine life and contributes to plastic and microplastic pollution.

Fishing nets, largely composed of nylon, represent a waste stream with currently limited potential for valorization in high-value-added applications. The research proposes transforming them into filament for 3D printers, opening new avenues for the reuse of recycled plastics in industrial applications.

According to the research team, this approach can help increase the demand for recycled materials, incentivizing the collection of discarded nets and reducing their accumulation in marine ecosystems. This also presents an opportunity to strengthen circular economy models in the fishing sector.

From Waste to Raw Material

The development of the filament requires a multi-stage industrial process that includes the collection, cleaning, and sorting of the nets, their shredding into plastic fragments, their transformation into pellets through thermal processes, and finally, their extrusion into filament with a standard diameter for 3D printing.

One of the main challenges identified is the heterogeneity of the waste, as the nets exhibit varying levels of degradation and contamination. This necessitates quality controls and adjustments to the formulation of the recycled material to ensure its suitability for technical applications.

Industrial Applications and Market Challenges

The developed filament is geared towards additive manufacturing technologies, especially fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, with potential applications in sectors such as automotive, where lightweight and durable materials are required.

However, the project faces significant challenges, such as optimizing the water- and space-intensive cleaning process, standardizing the quality of the recycled material, and building market trust in products made from waste.

Environmental and Social Impact

In addition to the technological component, the initiative incorporates a social dimension by proposing knowledge transfer to fishing communities. The goal is for the fishermen themselves to be able to carry out basic net preparation steps, thereby increasing the value of the waste and their income.

The project is currently in the process development and materials validation phase, with plans to move toward industrial scalability and market testing in the coming months.

Overall, the initiative stands as an example of integrating technological innovation with sustainable waste management, with the potential to reduce marine pollution and foster new value chains based on recycling.