PLEB sat down with Francois Devy, the Managing Director of the Seaqual Initiative, to discuss how Seaqual is tackling ocean waste and converting it in materials used in the fashion industry.
Can you tell us about the origins of SEAQUAL INITIATIVE and what inspired its creation?
The SEAQUAL INITIATIVE was born from a desire to combat marine pollution and promote sustainable practices. It started when concerned individuals and organisations united to address the global crisis of ocean plastic pollution. The founders were inspired by the increasing environmental impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and saw an opportunity to transform this waste into valuable, recycled materials for a circular economy. Unlike other initiatives, SEAQUAL stands out because it directly retrieves plastics from the ocean, where they are already degrading into microplastics. In fact, only about 1% of plastics remain at the surface, while the rest sink, breaking down into nanoparticles that affect local ecosystems and biodiversity. These microplastics eventually enter our food chain, with humans estimated to ingest the equivalent of 50 credit cards’ worth of plastic each year.
What is SEAQUAL INITIATIVE’s mission, and how has it evolved since the brand’s inception?
The mission of the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE is to clean the oceans, protect marine life, and reduce plastic pollution while promoting a sustainable, circular economy. Initially, the focus was on collecting plastic waste from the oceans and converting it into high-quality fibres. Over time, SEAQUAL’s mission has expanded through global collaborations, the adoption of innovative recycling technologies, and raising awareness about marine conservation. SEAQUAL now aims not only to clean oceans but also to inspire consumers and brands to make more sustainable choices, helping to reduce overall waste.
How does SEAQUAL INITIATIVE tackle the global issue of marine plastic pollution, and what are the primary sources of the plastic you collect?
SEAQUAL collaborates with fishermen, NGOs, and local communities to collect marine debris from oceans, beaches, and rivers. The collected plastic waste comes from various global collection points, strategically located near our processing facilities. For example, in Europe, we have collection points along the Nile in Egypt and on the Kerkennah Islands in Tunisia. By partnering with local and global organizations, SEAQUAL helps remove these plastics and recycles them into resources. Additionally, we focus on education and advocacy to prevent further pollution.
Seaqual promotes a circular economy. Could you explain how your process works, from the collection of marine waste to the production of Seaqual® YARN?
The SEAQUAL process begins with the collection of marine waste from oceans, rivers, and beaches. Once collected, the waste is sorted, and the plastic is cleaned and processed into flakes. We aim to keep these operations local to contribute to the local economy. The plastic flakes are then transformed into polymer pellets, which are processed into yarn, fibre, and other materials used in various industries, particularly fashion. This approach fosters a circular economy, where materials are continually reused rather than discarded, reducing the overall environmental impact.
How does SEAQUAL INITIATIVE ensure the traceability of materials throughout the supply chain?
SEAQUAL has developed a comprehensive traceability system that ensures full transparency from waste collection to the production of SEAQUAL® YARN. Each stage, from marine waste collection to the finished yarn, is meticulously tracked. We collaborate with trusted partners committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Our traceability system guarantees credibility for brands and consumers who prioritise sustainable solutions. By early 2025, we plan to release a digital passport for clients, enhancing transparency and trust through blockchain technology.
What role do partnerships play in closing the loop for SEAQUAL INITIATIVE products, and how can brands collaborate with you to support the circular economy?
Partnerships are fundamental to SEAQUAL’s success in closing the loop on plastic waste. SEAQUAL collaborates with a global network of organisations, including cleanup operations, recyclers, and manufacturers. Brands interested in collaboration can integrate SEAQUAL® YARN into their products, commit to sustainable practices, and raise awareness about marine pollution. By working together, we ensure the entire product lifecycle—from ocean waste to finished goods—embodies the principles of a circular economy.
How much marine waste has SEAQUAL INITIATIVE helped remove from the ocean to date, and what are your future targets?
Together with our partners, SEAQUAL has helped remove nearly 1,000 tons of marine waste from oceans and waterways. Moving forward, we aim to scale up our efforts by expanding partnerships globally, increasing the scope of our cleanup operations, and continuing to raise awareness about the importance of ocean protection.
Plastic waste from the ocean is a significant environmental concern. What are some of the biggest challenges you face when retrieving and recycling ocean plastics?
Key challenges include the logistical complexity of collecting plastic from remote or hard-to-reach areas, the degraded and mixed nature of the retrieved plastics, and the costs associated with sorting and recycling them. Moreover, the vast scale of global plastic pollution requires that cleanup efforts be combined with prevention strategies, such as reducing overall plastic production and consumption.
How do you address concerns about potential microplastic pollution from washing textiles made with recycled plastic?
The SEAQUAL INITIATIVE leverages all available technologies to minimize the release of microplastics during the washing of textiles. Continuous filament yarns, for instance, help significantly reduce microplastic shedding during both industrial and domestic washes. We also encourage brands to adopt technologies like dope dyeing (which avoids dye baths that release microplastics) and antimicrobial additives to reduce the need for frequent washing. Additionally, we partner with knitters and manufacturers who use high-gauge machines, producing more durable garments that are less prone to shedding.
How does SEAQUAL INITIATIVE ensure that fashion brands using your materials maintain transparency and sustainability throughout the product lifecycle?
SEAQUAL carefully vets its partners and requires full transparency in the use of SEAQUAL® YARN. We support brands by providing educational resources that help them communicate the environmental benefits of their products to consumers. Our fabric certification process, the SEAQUAL license signature, and tools to monitor communication practices ensure that all claims are legitimate, avoiding greenwashing. The upcoming digital passport in 2025 will allow consumers to trace the entire supply chain through blockchain technology.
What impact has SEAQUAL INITIATIVE made in terms of raising awareness about ocean plastics and influencing consumer behaviour?
SEAQUAL has significantly raised awareness of the dangers of ocean plastics through collaborations with fashion brands and high-visibility campaigns. More consumers are becoming environmentally conscious and opting for products made with recycled materials like SEAQUAL® YARN. In turn, this has encouraged brands to prioritize sustainability in their production processes.
Are there any specific advocacy or educational initiatives SEAQUAL INITIATIVE supports to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution?
SEAQUAL actively supports various educational initiatives, partnering with NGOs, schools, and environmental organizations to raise awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste and protecting marine ecosystems. We participate in global conferences, campaigns, and clean-up events where we engage with brands, scientists, artists, and athletes to discuss solutions to marine pollution. Additionally, we work directly with schools to engage younger generations on these critical issues.
What’s next for SEAQUAL INITIATIVE in terms of innovation or scaling your operations to further combat marine plastic pollution?
SEAQUAL plans to expand its global partner network, develop new recycling technologies, and scale operations to address the growing problem of marine plastic pollution. We are also exploring new materials, such as PA6 yarn and polypropylene (PP) materials, and will launch new applications for SEAQUAL® YARN beyond the fashion industry. Our upcoming digital passport will also bring transparency to a whole new level.
How do you see the role of recycled ocean plastics evolving in the fashion industry over the next five to ten years?
In the coming years, the use of recycled ocean plastics in fashion is expected to grow significantly as consumers and brands increasingly demand sustainable alternatives. Advances in recycling technologies will improve the quality and versatility of materials like SEAQUAL® YARN, making them suitable for a wider range of products. The fashion industry will likely shift toward more circular models, with a focus on reducing waste, extending product life cycles, and embracing recycled materials. We also anticipate that textile-to-textile recycling will be integrated into SEAQUAL yarns.
Are there any exciting upcoming collaborations or projects you can share with us?
We are excited about several developments, including the release of new products like PA6 yarn and PP materials, as well as the evolution of SEAQUAL® YARN with textile-to-textile recycling options. The upcoming digital passport will enhance transparency, and we’re also proud to announce the launch of the SEAQUAL FOUNDATION. While SEAQUAL INITIATIVE focuses on cleaning the oceans, SEAQUAL FOUNDATION will take on regenerative missions, supporting projects like planting Posidonia in the Mediterranean and protecting biodiversity, including turtle conservation efforts in Tunisia.
SEAQUAL INITIATIVE Partners that participated in buying the shredder for the Tunisian collection point
Website: seaqual.org
Instagram: @seaqual.initiative
Managing Director: Francois Devy
Contact: [email protected]
LinkedIn: @francoisdevy
Location: Spain
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