Ghost nets

Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale has taken various initiatives to improve its environmental and social impact, in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. One of these initiatives involves collaborating with Marevivo on projects aimed at recovering waste and fishing tools abandoned by fishermen. On April 23, 2023, a dive was carried out under the supervision of the Port Authority of Porto Santo Stefano and coordinated by Commander T.V. CP Luigi Buta, around Punta Bove, along the Argentario promontory. Marevivo has already recovered over 10,000 meters of abandoned nets in close collaboration with law enforcement.

The operation also aimed to recover fishing lines and artificial baits, known as “minnows,” which wrap around gorgonia branches on the promontory and threaten life on the seabed. The materials recovered continue to fish and trap the seabed with their mechanical action, and as they are made of plastic material, they release harmful microplastic particles into the environment and pose a threat to human health.

Under the patronage of Monte Argentario Municipality, SEI Toscana handled the disposal of the recovered materials. During the operation, which was attended by Linificio CEO Pierluigi Fusco Girard and Marevivo’s Institutional Relations Manager Raffaella Giugni, hundreds of meters of fishing lines were removed from the sea and collected in three large baskets, totaling about 10kg. Among the nylon lines were many plastic baits and hooks that put the marine ecosystem in danger.

Marevivo has been fighting against the use of disposable plastic for almost forty years, promoting concrete actions to avoid throwaway trends and replace plastic with natural and biodegradable materials. This operation is one example of their ongoing efforts to protect the marine environment and promote sustainability.

The collaboration between Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale and Marevivo is a great example of how businesses can work together to create sustainable solutions for the environment. Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale’s dedication to producing natural yarns and replacing plastic with sustainable materials aligns perfectly with Marevivo’s mission to protect the sea and its inhabitants. The use of linen yarns and nets for sustainable food packaging is a step in the right direction towards reducing plastic waste and preserving our oceans. The involvement of 30 divers in the operation shows the commitment of the diving community to protect the marine environment. Marevivo’s collaboration with the underwater community is crucial in managing pollution in the seabed and ensuring the well-being of marine life. This successful partnership sets an inspiring example for other businesses to follow in their efforts to promote sustainability and protect the environment.

says Massimiliano Falleri, Marevivo Diving Division Manager.

CEO Pierluigi Fusco Girard continues

“We didn’t hesitate for a moment when we learned about Marevivo’s initiative, as there is great harmony and synergy between our two organizations. Our company has recently been certified as a B Corp, and participating in this initiative aligns perfectly with our philosophy and values. For us, actively contributing to reducing environmental impacts means bringing products to market that are based on circular economy models. Our linen food packaging nets are one example of this, as they dissolve in the marine environment without generating microplastics. We also want to do our part in removing plastic nets and fishing materials from the ocean, as they account for up to 80% of solid pollutant residues in the seas, according to numerous scientific reports published in recent years.”