Circularity of bio-based, biodegradable, and non-degradable plastics for fishing gear and aquaculture equipment

December 19th, 2023 | Research Area 5 – Circularity of bio-based, biodegradable, and non-degradable plastics

Cecilia Askham

NORSUS AS

Leader Research Area 5, Circularity

This research area will develop sustainable circular downstream solutions for existing fossil-based non-degradable and future biodegradable fishing gear and aquaculture equipment. The goal is to develop economically and environmentally sustainable value chains for existing and new materials which also take the level of circularity into account. Further to increase innovation both in the short and long terms. The sustainability of conventional non-degradable, bio-based and biodegradable plastics depends on the level of circularity in the value chain, which will benefit from improved waste sorting technologies and optimized mechanical, chemical, and organic recycling technologies.

Key research and development tasks:

5.1: Define the status quo for the material flow of fishing gears on a national and regional level to document the proportion of used fishing gear delivered for further processing and depositing, loss of mass due to wear, and both documented and undocumented loss of gear.

5.2: Perform LCA assessments of specific fishing gear systems and materials, taking into account the entire value chain from production to end-of-life in order to:

• Develop circular value chains

• Enable increased and environmentally beneficial recycling

• Assess the potential leak of plastics in the sea from both non-degradable and degradable plastics, and their potential environmental effects.

• Provide information and new knowledge in order to achieve interactive processes for developing sustainable systems.

5.3: Identify research gaps.

5.4: Contribute to development of the LCA methodology in order to include plastic losses and marine litter, including cooperation with ongoing international work organized by the Forum for Sustainability through Life Cycle Innovation (FSLCI).

Publications

Sadeleer I., Askham C., Alnes R. B. (2021). Defining status quo for the material flow of fishing gear on a national and regional level

Vodopia D., Verones F., Askham C., Larsen R. B. (2024). Retrieval operations of derelict fishing gears give insight on the impact on marine life. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 201, 116268