The Gravity Wave
The Gravity Wave is a plastic panel material made from ghost fishing nets, gears and other plastics reclaimed from the ocean. The innovative circular material takes a problem waste stream and repurposes the material into innovative panels.
Production process
The fishermen are incentivized to collect the ghost fishing nets and plastics found in the ocean and transfer them to The Gravity Wave’s recycling plant. Here, they are segregated according to the colour and type of plastic. The nets are cleaned, cut, and shredded into tiny filaments and then further pressed into plates in the factory. These are then manufactured into furniture for various establishments.
The plant recycles fishing nets, along with other ocean and post-industrial plastic waste (mostly made of High-Density Polyethylene).
The Gravity Wave also makes pellets from bottles, packaging, washing machines, etc., for the injection industry.
Material properties
The material, POLYTEC 500 HMW UV, is a polyethylene of high density, high molecular weight and low moisture absorption. This material incorporates additives that absorb UV light and antioxidants, which prevent thermal degradation. It also has excellent resistance against cracking in an active environment (ESCR).
The material is durable with substantial flexibility. The fishing net’s original properties against salty water make it naturally water-resistant. It is also anti-graffiti and requires minimal maintenance.
No colours are added to the process to avoid the use of chemicals, thus rendering beautiful shades of (blue-green) turquoise to the furniture, which is the colour of most fishing nets.
The material can be used to make urban furniture (like anti-graffiti benches), tables, facades, children’s playgrounds, trophies, corporate lettering, etc. Customized projects are also accepted.
Availability
The plastic is collected from the coasts of Greece, Italy and Egypt. The material is 100% made in Spain.
Circular features
The Gravity Wave recovers and recycles abandoned and sunken fishing nets that have a destructive effect on marine ecosystems. The process utilizes no water, even for cleaning. It also produces no waste.
The Gravity Wave has blockchain control over the entire supply chain, thus ensuring transparency.
Raw Materials
- Ghost fishing nets found in the ocean
- Other ocean or post-industrial plastic waste
Afterlife Plan
- The Gravity Wave has a return-back policy
- The material can be crushed and recycled into a new product with a different finish.