A new project is set to develop durable and fit-for-purpose biobased ropes that biodegrade in a shorter time than other ropes and can be sustainably managed by local composting facilities.
BIOGEARS uses an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) approach by integrating seaweed with mussel production, which aims to increase aquaculture marketable products. BIOGEARS will foster an eco-friendly aquaculture industry with the results of the project creating a biobased value chain under the EU Bioeconomy Strategy framework.
Speaking at the kick-off meeting on 11 December 2019 at the office of research institute AZTI in Spain, project coordinator Leire Arantzamendi said that BIOGEARS hopes to boost more eco-friendly mussel and seaweed production. She said: “We will generate three rope prototypes with a highly reduced carbon footprint along the whole value chain. The aim is to develop these as marketable products, whilst minimising the potential of aquaculture to generate marine litter or release plastic to the sea.”
Funded by the European Union under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the project aims to challenge the existing gap of biobased ropes for offshore aquaculture, nowadays manufactured with 100% non-recyclable plastics.
The project aims to balance the functionality and biodegradation behaviour of the biobased ropes in order to develop the right biobased formulation for the aquaculture sector. The research, prototype development and pilot tests taking place in BIOGEARS will aim to reduce the current technological gaps and extend the current potential use in the sector.
