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Sustainable Netting Materials for Marine and Agricultural Applications: A Perspective on Polymeric and Composite Developments
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This review evaluates sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic fishing and agricultural nets, examining biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PHAs, and PBAT alongside recycled polyamide-6 strategies, while highlighting gaps in testing standards and the emergence of multifunctional nets capable of environmental sensing or ecological support.
This review addresses the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic nets used in marine and agricultural applications, which are often persistent, poorly degradable, and difficult to manage at end of life. It examines recent developments in biodegradable polymers-particularly polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-alongside reinforced blends and nanocomposites designed to improve mechanical performance and degradation behavior under real-world conditions. Strategies based on the regeneration of discarded nets, especially those made from polyamide 6 (PA6), are also considered for their potential to close material loops and reduce environmental leakage. A critical analysis of current testing protocols and regulatory frameworks is provided to assess their suitability for novel materials. In addition, this study highlights the emergence of multifunctional nets capable of providing environmental sensing or biological support, marking a transition toward adaptive and ecosystem-responsive designs. Finally, a survey of ongoing European and international projects illustrates scalable pathways for implementing biodegradable and recyclable netting systems, integrating material innovation with circular economy strategies. These findings emphasize the need for harmonized standards, targeted environmental testing, and cross-sectoral collaboration to enable the large-scale adoption of sustainable net technologies.
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Researchers reviewed advances in biodegradable polymer alternatives — including polyhydroxyalkanoates and starch-based blends — for aquaculture nets and ropes, finding promising mechanical stability and controlled biodegradation in field trials but identifying ongoing challenges in balancing operational durability with timely degradation and the absence of harmonized marine biodegradation standards.
Study of biodegradable polyesters as materials for applications in the fishing industry
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This thesis investigated biodegradable polyesters—primarily PLA and PHA—as sustainable alternatives to conventional non-degradable plastics in the fishing industry, developing PLA aqueous dispersions for cardboard coatings, recycled PLA nets for mussel aquaculture, and PHA/PLA bio-foams to replace expanded polystyrene fish boxes. PLA nets fully degraded under industrial composting within three months but showed minimal marine degradation over four months, indicating suitability for use but limited environmental self-remediation if lost at sea.
Biodegradable Nets: The Next Wave of Sustainable Fishing
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This review examined biodegradable fishing nets made from materials like PLA and PBS as alternatives to conventional synthetic nets that contribute to ghost fishing and microplastic pollution when abandoned. The authors found that biodegradable nets match the functional performance of synthetic ones while degrading in marine environments, though deployment scale and cost-effectiveness remain barriers to adoption.
Biodegradable Nets: The Next Wave of Sustainable Fishing
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This review examined biodegradable fishing nets made from materials like PLA and PBS as alternatives to conventional synthetic nets that contribute to ghost fishing and microplastic pollution when abandoned. The authors found that biodegradable nets match the functional performance of synthetic ones while degrading in marine environments, though deployment scale and cost-effectiveness remain barriers to adoption.
Biodegradable fishing gear: A sustainable solution to ghost net pollution in marine environments
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This study reviews biodegradable fishing gear based on copolyesters such as PBSAT and PBSA as sustainable alternatives to conventional polyamide nets, which persist in the ocean as ghost gear and generate microplastics. The authors assess the degradation performance, mechanical properties, and environmental profiles of biodegradable gear materials, finding them promising candidates for reducing ghost net pollution.
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