Plastic with a past: traceable pots made from reclaimed fishing nets


Plastic with a past: traceable pots made from reclaimed fishing nets


A Glasgow-based startup is revolutionizing the use of discarded fishing gear by repurposing them into stylish, origami-inspired planters. Known as POTR, the company aims to tackle ghost gear by creating geometric plant pots from plastic obtained from abandoned fishing nets. These ‘ocean pots’ are said to be the first of their kind, with each featuring a scannable QR code that provides data on the origin of the recovered ghost net.

Andrew Flynn, the founder of POTR and a lecturer at The Glasgow School of Art, emphasizes the importance of traceability in the production process. By making the journey of the plastic transparent, it sparks conversations and encourages people to become part of the solution to marine plastic waste. The company has established a UK supply chain, partnering with Cornish marine waste specialists, Waterhaul, to recover and shred fishing nets, which are then processed in Edinburgh.

It is estimated that the fishing and aquaculture industry in Scotland and England generates around 6,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which finds its way into the oceans. For every tonne of plastic recovered, POTR is able to create 5,000 ocean pots, utilizing an origami-inspired design that allows for flatpacking during shipping, significantly reducing transport costs. Flynn’s inspiration for the initiative stemmed from witnessing the impact of plastic pollution on Scotland’s west coast, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the issue.

Working with POTR allows Waterhaul to repurpose ghost gear into something useful and visually appealing, redirecting harmful plastic waste towards a more sustainable purpose. The collaboration aims to transform the most damaging form of ocean plastic into beautiful plant pots that can adorn homes, encouraging a shift towards responsible consumer choices. As people become more aware of the environmental impact of marine plastic pollution, initiatives like POTR offer tangible solutions to address the crisis

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