Interface Expanding Fishing Net Collection Program

Atlanta, GA, Sept. 24, 2014 -- Atlanta-based carpet tile maker Interface said at the 2014 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting that it is committed to expanding Net-Works in partnership with the Zoological Society of London.

Net-Works is a collaboration designed to tackle the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities.

At the same time supports one of Interface's Mission Zero goals to source 100% recycled nylon.

The program is established in rural coastal areas in the central Philippines (including the Bantayan Islands and Danajon Bank, one of only six double-barrier reefs in the world).

Interface said that Net-Works will be expanded, with a new net collection hub in the Lake Ossa region of Cameroon, and in two additional hubs anticipated over the next three years.

“Inclusive business is about finding ways to have a net positive impact on social and environmental issues while still minding the bottom line,” said Nigel Stansfield, chief innovations officer for Interface.

“We are challenging the status quo to reimagine our supply chain in a way that improves our ability to source recycled content, while simultaneously cleaning up oceans and lakes and lifting people from poverty. It’s ambitious, and it’s working.”

Over the last 18 months, Net-Works hubs have collected in excess of 85,000 pounds of discarded fishing nets, helping 4,500 villagers in communities in the Philippines to earn supplemental income equal to 84,000 additional meals.

It is anticipated that over the next three years, Net-Works will support and strengthen over 500 hectares of community-based Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Net-Works regions, thereby helping to restore the biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystems.

Gathered nets are recycled by Italian yarn manufacturer Aquafil in its Econyl Regeneration System into nylon yarn that Interface uses to produce carpet tile.