BUREO FISHING NET SKATEBOARDS

Bureo transforms discarded fishing nets—accounting for 10% of ocean plastic pollution—into sustainable skateboards through mechanical recycling. The Chilean 'Net Positiva' program provides collection incentives at 50+ fisheries, recovering nets destined for oceans. Nets are shredded, re-pelletized into NetPlus material, and cast into skateboards: three square meters (30 sq ft) produces one skateboard while reducing greenhouse emissions 70% versus traditional manufacturing. Bureo has collected 600,000kg+ of NetPlus from South American fisheries, expanding into sunglasses and apparel. Patagonia now sources hat brims from traceable recovered fishnets. By creating economic value for waste collection and partnering with fishing communities, Bureo exemplifies how upcycling can address ocean pollution while supporting local livelihoods.