Reused pots fashioned from salvaged fishing nets: alook at the history behind these plastic containers
In a remarkable initiative, a Glasgow-based company named POTR is repurposing discarded fishing nets into elegantly designed origami-style plant pots. This innovative venture, spearheaded by Andrew Flynn, a lecturer at The Glasgow School of Art, aims to support marine waste disposal and reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our seas.
POTR's unique planters, called 'ocean pots', are crafted from traceable marine plastic. Each ocean pot carries a QR code, linking to data about the recovered ghost net, ensuring transparency in the sourcing of materials. The reclaimed plastic is pelletized, pressed into sheets, and die-cut in Edinburgh for the production of these eco-friendly planters.
The origami-inspired design of the ocean pots allows for them to be flatpacked for shipping, reducing transport costs by 100 times. This not only makes the planters more cost-effective but also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.
The fishing and aquaculture industry in Scotland and England generates approximately 6,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in the seas or chokes shorelines. POTR's initiative is a step towards addressing this issue, by transforming waste into useful products.
Waterhaul, a marine waste specialist based in Cornwall, recovers and shreds the fishing nets used in the production of the ocean pots. This collaboration ensures that every ocean pot not only serves as a stylish planter but also tells a story of marine conservation.
In addition to its environmental benefits, POTR donates 4% of its profits to cleanup efforts, further supporting the fight against marine plastic pollution. Flynn was inspired to act after witnessing the detritus choking Scotland's west coast, and POTR is a testament to his commitment to making a difference.
POTR's ocean pots are not just planters; they are symbols of hope for a cleaner, greener ocean. By choosing these planters, you are not only beautifying your home or garden but also contributing to a more sustainable future for our oceans.
