Every year, it's estimated that 500,000 to 1 million tons of fishing equipment is dumped into our oceans, and among the most dangerous culprits are abandoned fishing nets, also known as “ghost nets”. They are not only a persistent form of pollution but also a silent killer of marine life. However, what if these nets could be transformed from a hazard into something valuable? That’s where recycled nylon comes in—a fabric we proudly use in our activewear.

The Ghost Net Problem

Fishing nets left behind in the ocean create a deadly cycle. These nets sink to the ocean floor, trapping marine life such as fish, turtles, and even dolphins, leading to slow, painful deaths. As the captured creatures decay or are eaten, the nets float back to the surface, ready to ensnare more animals. Over time, these nets break down into microplastics—tiny, indestructible particles that infiltrate marine ecosystems and, eventually, our food chains due to the fact that they are consumed by the marine life. 

Microplastics are now found in everything from the water we drink to the seafood we consume, with harmful implications for human health. According to research cited by WWF, around 10% of ocean plastic pollution stems from discarded fishing gear—a problem growing as industrial fishing expands globally.

Transforming Waste into Opportunity

Recycled nylon offers an innovative solution by giving these ghost nets a second life and removing them from our oceans. The process is meticulous, environmentally conscious, and simple:

1. Collection: Fishing nets are harvested from ocean waste through coordinated efforts involving fishermen, divers, and environmental organizations.
2. Sanitization: The collected nets are thoroughly cleaned to remove biological debris, salt, and contaminants.
3. Breaking Down: The nets are broken down into their raw material form—nylon 6.
4. Regeneration: This raw material is re-spun into recycled nylon fibers, which are then woven into durable, high-quality fabrics.

This process not only diverts waste from polluting our oceans but also reduces the need for virgin nylon, a petroleum-based product. There are plenty of fishing nets to collect from the ocean, the need to create new virgin nylon is unnecessary. 

Why Recycled Nylon Over Recycled Polyester?

Recycled polyester is a popular fabric used in activewear. It is overall the more affordable option. However, when it comes to sustainability, recycled nylon has distinct advantages over recycled polyester:

• Reduced Microplastic Shedding: Nylon fabrics shed fewer microplastics during washing, a critical factor in preventing further ocean pollution.
• Preserving Existing Recycling Systems: PET plastics, like water bottles, already have efficient recycling systems in place. Diverting PET to create polyester fabric disrupts this system, limiting the future recyclability of these materials.
• Lower Water Usage: The production of recycled polyester consumes more water compared to recycled nylon, making recycled nylon the greener option.

The Growing Importance of Ocean Waste Solutions

The scale of ocean waste is staggering—by 2050, it’s estimated there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight. Addressing this crisis requires both individual and collective action, from reducing single-use plastics to supporting innovative recycling initiatives like those turning ghost nets into sustainable fabrics.

8760 is proud to be part of the solution. By choosing activewear made from recycled nylon, you’re not just investing in high-performance clothing—you’re supporting a healthier planet. Together, we can support the push on reducing ocean pollution and make a tangible impact on the future of our environment.

And we'll be honest here, our pieces are made with recycled nylon and spandex. The latter is not made from recycled materials. Recycled spandex is available, however it is not within our company's reach at this time because we are a small business that is just getting our footing. Without spandex, virgin or recycled, our pieces would not achieve the same durability, softness, and that 4-way stretch customers love. Our fabric blends only contain the minimal amount of spandex to achieve those features. 

Every purchase from our recycled nylon collection contributes to cleaner oceans, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future. Thank you for making mindful choices and joining us on this journey toward positive change.