Sendai aquarium adopts uniforms made from upcycled fishing nets

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium has unveiled new staff uniforms made from locally sourced, discarded fishing nets, successfully implementing amu Inc.’s upcycled nylons.

The new uniforms are the first commercial application for amuca®, a unique fabric developed by amu from fishing nets recovered in Miyagi Prefecture, tackling the issue of marine plastic pollution. According to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, fishing-related gear accounts for nearly 60 percent of the plastic waste found on the nation’s coastlines by mass. These discarded nets often become “ghost nets,” which drift through the ocean and entangle marine life.

Furthermore, the disposal of used fishing gear, which is difficult to recycle due to salt and debris, places a significant financial burden on fishermen who must pay for industrial waste processing.

Amu addresses these issues by purchasing discarded nets from fishermen, then processes and regenerates the material into the amuca® fabric. This circular model prevents the nets from entering the ocean and alleviates the economic strain on the fishing community.

The aquarium, operating under the concept of “creating new connections between the sea, people, and water,” found a perfect partner in amu. The project was designed to create a uniform that was not only functional but also symbolic of the aquarium’s mission. Each uniform features a special “amuca® tag” with a QR code. By scanning the code, individuals can view the story of the product, from the region where the nets were collected in Miyagi to the manufacturing process. This narrative feature fosters a deeper connection between the product and its user.

Masafumi Masubuchi, Director of Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, stated that the collaboration has created a product that symbolises the aquarium’s goals. “In the process, our staff from various departments actually went to Kesennuma to experience the collection and dismantling of the nets,” he said. “This allowed them to realise the new value in discarded fishing gear and sparked a strong interest in local upcycling and sustainable activities.”

With its new sustainable uniforms, the aquarium aims to enhance the environment for marine life whilst strengthening its connection with the local community as it enters its next decade.