SEAQUAL
First and foremost, SEAQUAL is an initiative manifested as a unique collaborative community to combat plastic pollution in the oceans.
The Seaqual Initiative promotes and supports the cleaning of the oceans, and their main goal is to fight against and raise awareness for marine waste. Its work is based on the following four pillars:
- Cleaning the oceans: recovering, collecting and sorting marine waste by bringing on board NGOs, fishermen, local communities, authorities and waste management companies.
- Engaging industries: mobilising recyclers, manufacturers and brands to turn plastic from marine waste into upcycled marine plastics and then into everyday products, including merchandising items.
- Communicating: raising awareness about the issue of plastic pollution by informing manufacturers, putting pressure on the authorities, educating and raising awareness in society.
- Inspiring consumers and communities: ensuring that consumers are aware that the products they purchase/receive contain upcycled marine plastic, meaning that they are supporting the Seaqual Initiative in its fight against marine waste.
This results in a material called SEAQUAL® Yarn with the following properties:
It is a high quality 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn containing recycled marine plastic from SEAQUAL INITIATIVE. It has physical properties almost identical to those of virgin polyester and comes in a variety of sizes and finishes (both continuous filament and discontinuous fibres).
This material can be used in a variety of applications, including clothing and accessories, upholstery and car seats, furniture, and technical textiles. SEAQUAL® Yarn contains approximately 10% recycled marine plastic (from marine plastic waste), and 90% post-consumption PET from land sources.
SEAQUAL® Yarn is sold through a licensing system. SEAQUAL® Yarn and all products manufactured with it are available exclusively for SEAQUAL licensees. In order to carry SEAQUAL® Yarn and use the names, logos and copyrighted materials of the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, all members of the supply chain (including textile manufacturers, product manufacturers and brands) must sign a SEAQUAL Accord trademark and copyright license. The licence stipulates that all licensees may only purchase or sell to other licensees. All licensees are required to provide support to the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE.