<Event Report> RefineVerse Group Conducts 'Abandoned Fishing Net Collection and Recycling Project' at Shimoda Aquarium

RefineVerse Group Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo / President & CEO: Akira Ochi) conducted the 'Abandoned Fishing Net Collection and Recycling Project' on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Shimoda Aquarium (Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture). This marks the fifth time the initiative has been held. On the day, participants collected and sorted used fishing nets previously employed for kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) fishing in Shimoda, with a total of 21 local residents and tourists taking part.

Event Report

The global increase in marine plastic waste has become a pressing social issue. Abandoned or lost fishing gear—such as nets, fishing lines, and ropes, collectively known as 'ghost gear'—poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems.

RefineVerse Group manufactures high-quality nylon pellets called REAMIDE® (Reamido) from discarded fishing nets. REAMIDE® is used as a raw material in various products, including apparel and office furniture.

To recycle fishing nets, it is essential to carefully remove metal components such as hooks and fittings—a meticulous pre-processing step. Since 2024, this event has been hosted in collaboration with Shimoda Aquarium to deepen public understanding of resource circulation and recycling processes. This year marked the fifth iteration of the project.

In addition to local residents, tourists visiting Shimoda also participated, bringing the total number of participants to 21. Attendees shared comments such as, 'I just ate a lot of kinmedai yesterday! So this is the net used to catch them!' and 'This task is so engaging—I couldn’t stop once I started! (laugh).'

The fishing nets used this year contained an unusually high number of metal parts, making the sorting process more time-consuming than in previous years. Nevertheless, participants and supporting companies worked diligently, deepening their understanding of resource circulation. As a result, a total of 15kg of fishing nets were processed, and approximately 20kg of metal fittings were removed. The collected and sorted nets will now undergo recycling to be transformed into REAMIDE® nylon pellets.

Participants who contributed to the effort received commemorative gifts, including feeding vouchers for the otter feeding experience at Shimoda Aquarium and tape dispensers made from recycled fishing net material.

Event Overview

【Date】 July 5, 2026 (Sunday), 10:00–14:00

【Venue】 Special Event Area, First Parking Lot, Shimoda Aquarium

【Collaborators】 Shimoda Aquarium, PADI Asia Pacific Japan Co., Ltd., RefineVerse Co., Ltd., Morito Co., Ltd.

High-Quality Recycled Nylon Pellets 'REAMIDEⓇ (Reamido)' from Discarded Fishing Nets

High-quality nylon pellets 'REAMIDEⓇ' and novelty tape dispensers made from recycled net material.

After removing foreign objects such as metal fittings from used fishing nets, the material is transformed into REAMIDEⓇ. The nets collected during this 'Abandoned Fishing Net Collection and Recycling Project' will also be regenerated into REAMIDEⓇ and reintroduced into society as raw materials for various products.

About RefineVerse Group

'Connecting wealth to the future with perspectives and technologies no one else has.'

For over 20 years, RefineVerse Group has been actively practicing the circular economy, advancing the regeneration and development of various materials. By collecting discarded tile carpets from offices and facilities and processing them into recycled material 'RefinePowder' at its own factory, the company has achieved closed-loop recycling—a challenge long considered difficult in the industry. It also operates businesses that convert discarded fishing nets and end-of-life vehicle airbags into high-quality recycled nylon pellets 'REAMIDE (Reamido)'. Additionally, the company is developing diverse recycled materials, including 'ReFEZER (Refeather)', a new bio-material made from bird feathers, 'REOCA', an asphalt modifier made from recycled automotive interior materials, and 'RENAMY', a recycled rubber material. Through these initiatives, RefineVerse Group creates new value from waste materials and aims to realize a circular society through business innovation.