The INdIGO project (of which MSE International is one of the UK partners) is looking at the circular economy for fishing gear which will include the production and consumption model that consists of sharing, resusing, repairing, renovating and recycling existing fishing products and materials for as long as possible so that they retain their value. By doing this, the life cycle of products is extended to reduce the use of new raw materials and the generation of waste.

The INdIGO project is developing this framework in the following ways:

• Improving design, by using materials with less environmental impact and by adapting the life span of materials to suit their usage.
• Improving collection, by making more bins available in ports to collect the various components of used fishing gear - see the work of project partner Odyssey Innovation in the South West.
• Improving local recycling capacity.
• Taking effective preventitive actions by having a better knowledge of the type of fishing and aquaculture waste found at sea and on the beaches.
• Involving both industrialists (manufacturers in particular), political decision-makers and professionals in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Read more about this work from the University of Plymouth here.

To be kept up to date with the INdIGO project please sign up to the INdIGO Interest Group here.