New ropes made from biomaterials have been developed by Spain’s AZTI science and technology centre 

New ropes made from biomaterials have been developed by Spain’s AZTI science and technology centre with the potential to replace conventional plastics of fossil origin in mussel and algae cultivation.

Financed by the EU’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), with involvement of parties from Spain, Belgium and Ireland, the ropes are part of a wider, four-year Biogears project that was conceived to find more eco-efficient alternatives to the standard ropes used in offshore shellfish and seaweed farming. These tend to be made from conventional fossil-based (non-compostable) plastics that can potentially contribute to the generation of plastic waste and marine litter.