From Marine Waste to the Materials of the Future: Circular Transformation through Ghost Nets, Chitosan, and Collagen

This action aims to raise awareness of the potential of marine and fisheries waste as valuable resources within the circular economy. The action will showcase innovative approaches for transforming ghost fishing nets and fisheries by-products into value-added materials. Ghost nets, which are mainly composed of synthetic polymers, will be presented as potential feedstocks for the development of recycled membranes and advanced materials. In parallel, fish scales and crustacean shells from fisheries activities will be introduced as valuable sources for the production of chitosan and collagen.

The action will demonstrate how materials that are commonly regarded as waste can be recovered, reused and transformed into innovative products with potential applications in environmental, biomedical and other high-value fields. Through demonstrations, visual materials and scientific information, participants will learn about the environmental impacts of marine waste, the importance of waste prevention and resource recovery, and the role of circular approaches in reducing pressure on natural resources.

The main message of the action is: “Marine waste is not the end of a material’s life—it can be the beginning of a new one.” By connecting waste reduction, recycling, reuse and innovative material production, the action aims to encourage participants to rethink marine waste as a valuable resource and to promote more sustainable consumption and production practices.