PLANET2 develops cross-sector upcycling projects and designs product-based economic cycles for the profitable reuse of used plastic nets.
The conversion of old plastic nets into economic solutions and sustainable use, e.g. as a climbing aid for façade greening, reduces material consumption in the construction industry and effectively supports climate adaptation in places with high building density and sealing.
In addition, the 2nd-life concepts enhance the properties of the nets, which are an obstacle to residue-free disposal: Plastic meshes are light and easy to hang, tear-resistant due to their material, durable, rot-resistant and UV-stable. This makes them an economical alternative to the energy and emission-intensive production of steel nets.
Investment is needed in the expansion of soil-saving, vertical green spaces in cities for cooling, air improvement, water retention, biodiversity and recreation.
By expanding the use of discarded and environmentally harmful plastic nets into green building applications, PLANET2 transforms the waste problem from the fishing, agricultural and construction industries into efficient, sustainable, economical applications for climate protection.
Responsible for the second largest consumption of materials and energy (Germany) as well as large amounts of waste, construction must become more sustainable. Cross-sector economic cycles play a major role here. By using plastic nets, PLANET2 draws attention to the value of resources in second or third use.
Lost fishing nets account for 30-50% of marine plastic (12.7 million tons per year). These „ghost nets“ cause long-term environmental damage. When recycling PP and PE-based mesh into granulate, they damage the sorting plants. Their thermal recycling releases toxic particles into the air we breathe.
The recovery and processing of the „ghost nets“ would be profitable and not just a donation-funded environmental project if their second-life use were possible, e.g. as ground-based urban greenery, enclosures, visual and weather protection. An additional effect: the illegal disposal of nets in the sea is no longer worthwhile.