Compostable biobased plastic could be future to “ghost nets” problem

In South Africa, fishing nets lost at sea are a major source of plastic pollution in the ocean. These so-called “ghost nets” drift globally, ensnaring and killing fish, dolphins, seals, birds, and sea turtles. They can last up to 600 years, releasing microplastics as they slowly degrade.

Now South African initiative Catchgreen, is developing a solution. By creating nets and other gear from compostable Biodolomer, a net lost at sea would degrade into biomass within a few years. They also have a higher density so they will sink to the bottom of the ocean where they cause less harm and are subject to microbes that speed up decomposing.

Biodolomer was invented by packaging material legend Åke Rosén who has been instrumental in developing many materials for Tetra Pak and has over 65 patents to his name. It is produced and marketed by Gaia Biomaterials in Sweden since 2015 and is being used for everything from grocery bags to beer cups and agricultural cover films.