Art of saving the ocean

The Pacsafe Econyl collection is an innovation-focused collection that uses regenerated fabric made from fishing nets and other discarded nylon.

Imagine buying fish from the market and asking for a plastic bag to put the fish in. Now, imagine if the seller still insists on handing you the slimy fish without any packaging and then brutally responding, “The plastic is already inside.”

It’s a sad joke, but it happens. In fact, it’s the thought for the day. Plastic that ends up in the ocean contaminate the ocean and the fish we eat; therefore, we contaminate ourselves.

While the damage has already been done, at least Pacsafe is doing its part in cleaning out the environment. After all, what we leave on this planet is for our very own descendants.

Founded in 1998, Pacsafe is a brand that came from a group of thoughtful travelers dedicated to protecting our planet. For more than two decades, Pacsafe has worked to create anti-theft travel gear using sustainable materials and processes along the way. Technologies include anchor straps, zipper security and RFID shields to protect against identify theft. From backpacks, luggage and travel accessories to leisure and camera bags, Pacsafe gives travelers the peace of mind they need to get out and explore more of this planet.

Econyl, on the other hand, is made from 100 percent regenerated nylon waste. Its yarn helps divert global waste streams from landfills and oceans and is used to produce a wide range of textile products such as sportswear, swimwear and carpets.

Just recently, Pacsafe launched its latest eco-friendly Econyl Collection by turning plastic waste into much-demanded anti-theft gear. Not only does Pacsafe give plastic waste a second life, it is now a purposeful life.

The private launch was held at Matrix Creation Events in Quezon City, which is a wide and white space that looked like one was inside an aquarium when all the lights went dim and the projections of underwater wonders shone through all four walls. What a bright idea. The event continued as host and TV personality Lyn Ching, who is also an advocate of sustainable living, started welcoming guests.

Pacsafe’s co-founder Magnus McGlashan was also present during the event. He spoke about the new and exciting venture for the brand and the importance to step towards protecting the ocean, one of our most valuable natural resources.

“Pacsafe was founded out of a passion for adventure and exploration, and with that comes a deep love of our planet and preserving its natural beauty,” said Magnus McGlashan, co-founder and managing director of Pacsafe. “Our partnership with Econyl means less plastic in our oceans and landfills, and fewer resources used to create new products. It’s all part of our wider commitment to reduce ocean plastic while helping people protect their gear and the planet at the same time.”

The Pacsafe Econyl collection is an innovation-focused collection that uses regenerated fabric made from fishing nets and other discarded nylon. This collection is the first of many steps the company is taking to demonstrate its commitment to removing virgin plastic from all new products by 2025.

ART installation made of discarded fish nets and recyclable materials.

The Econyl regeneration process creates durable, long lasting yarn that performs to the same standard as brand new nylon.

Unlike other recycled materials, the nylon can be rewoven infinitely without losing its high-performance qualities, creating a circular loop of reuse.

Aquafil, the maker of Econyl Yarn, established its energy and recycling business unit to boost the sustainable activities of the Aquafil Group.

Thanks to its research and development activities the Econyl Regeneration System was created. Within four years it became an important milestone and commercial driver within the company, representing a significant step towards the company’s involvement in the circular economy.

The Econyl Regeneration System is an efficient industrial system for the production of nylon 6 and is unique in that it boasts no loss of quality after reclamation and transformation of nylon waste.

The Pacsafe Econyl launch also highlights its support to Save Philippine Seas, an organization that aims to protect the country’s coastal and marine resources through information, communication, education campaigns and community-based projects; and World Wide Fund Philippines that champions conservation in areas where biodiversity matters the most.

During the Pacsafe Econyl Launch, an Art Installation was also present for the media guests and other audiences to witness. Each art installation was made of discarded fishing nets and recyclable material.

One of the artists behind Pacsafe’s art installation, Nicole Ayson, shared her views with Daily Tribune.

Daily Tribune (DT): Can you elaborate on your art piece?

Nicole Ayson (NA): For this art installation I was told that we have to use recycled materials especially fishnets because it goes in line with thePacsafe ECONYL® Collection.

DT: How were you able to source your fishnet? Living in this big city, that must have been a challenge!

NA: I really had a really hard time. It even came to the point of desperation that I asked Pacsafe’s marketing department if I could buy brand new fishnets — but, of course, the answer was no because it would defeat the purpose of sustainability. It was just really challenging because I don’t live near the ocean where fishnets are widely used. Also, no one was selling fishnets by meter. I had one week left, and even if I had the study behind it, I still had no material. Luckily, last minute, someone I knew also knew someone who sold used fishnets in a market in Novaliches by the meter. From then on, things fell into place.

DT: Sustainability is a challenge but it definitely is possible.

NA: Definitely. It is possible. I was even able to have the fishnets delivered through GrabDelivery. It was rolled up so it wasn’t as bulky as I imagined and it was convenient for the delivery man to send it over. I realized, if we put our hearts into it, nothing is impossible.

DT: How long did it take for you to conceptualize this?

NA: The study took me about three days but bringing it to life took five days.

DT: Can you please put into detail your art installation?

NA: The theme is “One with the ocean.” I immediately thought of projecting an art illustration of waves because I wanted to see its relationship with fishnets.

Notice that when you go to the beach or the ocean, when a fishnet is submerged underwater, you can hardly see it. In fact, even from above, it isn’t as visible. It was designed this way to capture more prey; otherwise, sea creatures would just retreat.

While fishnets play an important factor in the life of fishermen or even our economy, it can be harmful when it is not used in the right way and left to pollute the ocean. Remember, fishnets are built to be sturdy, giving them the power to suffocate/trap/damage coral reefs and other marine life. This is when it becomes a huge problem. Awareness is key.

So, through my art installation, I wanted to call people’s attention on the dangers of abandoned fishnets. I want people know these can be used in many other ways. Look what Pacsafe was able to do!

My part in making a difference is this art installation. The top layer is, of course, the fishnet and it is the most visible and obvious piece used for the art installation. Now, to shape it into waves, I had to use chicken wire. I also had to paint the fishnet to give it a harder texture. If you haven’t realized, fishnets are not structured in shape; they follow the waves of the water. They sway and dance along the movement of the water. It is actually very graceful in this manner.

I was also permitted to use other used nets like the ones that carry onions and garlic in the market. I had to work with the different types of nets to capture the wave-like features. After I painted it all blue, it was spotlight ready. I did this so that the audience can see how fishnets affects the ocean, our planet.

For more information on ECONYL®, please visit www.econyl.com