Discarded Plastic Fishing Nets Are Turned into Filament for 3D Printers

Discarded Plastic Fishing Nets Are Turned into Filament for 3D Printers

In an inventive twist on ocean conservation, innovators and environmental engineers are transforming one of the planet’s most persistent pollutants, discarded plastic fishing nets, into a powerful tool for sustainable manufacturing: 3D printer filament.

This breakthrough approach not only cleans up the ocean but also fuels the growing 3D printing industry with a circular, eco-friendly material source.

The Ocean’s Plastic Problem - and an Ingenious Solution

Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans, and a staggering portion comes from “ghost nets” abandoned or lost fishing gear made of durable plastics like nylon and polyethylene. These nets drift for years, entangling marine life and contributing to the breakdown of microplastics in the food chain.

Now, several sustainability-focused startups and research partnerships are collecting and repurposing those same nets, turning them into high-quality filaments for 3D printing.

One of the leading initiatives, Nefila Works, based in Spain, has teamed up with local fishermen to retrieve old nets from Mediterranean ports. After cleaning and sorting, the nets are shredded, melted, and extruded into thin strands suitable for use in standard 3D printers. The resulting filament is strong, flexible, and, crucially, entirely recycled.

From Ocean Waste to Digital Manufacturing

The recycling process transforms a linear waste problem into a circular production model. Instead of virgin plastics derived from fossil fuels, the reclaimed nets provide an abundant, renewable feedstock for additive manufacturing.

3D printing companies have quickly taken notice. Designers and engineers are using this recycled filament to produce a range of products, from durable industrial components to eyewear frames, surfboard fins, and even art installations highlighting the crisis of ocean waste.

The material, known commercially under brands like Bureo’s NetPlus and Fishy Filaments’ Ocean Green, has properties comparable to conventional nylon, meaning it can perform well under stress while being lighter and more flexible than many alternatives.

Cleaner Seas, Smaller Footprint

Environmental experts note that tackling ghost nets is critical: they account for up to 10% of all marine plastic pollution and can linger in the ocean for centuries. By converting this waste into functional materials, recycling programs not only reduce pollution but also lessen dependence on virgin petrochemical plastics.

Each kilogram of fishing net filament prevents an estimated 7 kilograms of CO₂ emissions compared to producing new nylon, according to a 2024 study by the Ocean Plastics Lab.

Beyond carbon savings, these projects are empowering coastal communities. Many recycling initiatives pay fishermen for recovered nets, giving them an incentive to participate in cleanup efforts and to adopt more sustainable gear disposal practices.

A Circular Future for 3D Printing

The 3D printing industry, once criticized for its reliance on non-recyclable plastics, is now becoming a proving ground for circular economy principles. Manufacturers like Prusa Research and Ultimaker have begun testing ocean-derived filaments in pilot programs, while universities are researching how additives can improve the quality and longevity of recycled materials.

“Every print becomes part of a story, from waste to creation,” says materials scientist Dr. Lina Torres, who studies sustainable polymers. “It’s a tangible reminder that innovation can help heal the environments we’ve harmed.”

By turning discarded fishing nets into 3D printing filament, innovators are showing that environmental responsibility and advanced manufacturing can go hand in hand.

What was once a deadly ocean hazard is now fuel for creativity and change, transforming plastic pollution into a new wave of sustainable production.

As 3D printing continues to expand, this kind of material innovation could help reshape how industries think about both waste and possibility, one recycled filament at a time.