Articles

The Challenge of Aww & ALLIANCE FOR THE BLUE in Upcycling Fishing Nets, Which Make Up 40% of Marine Waste

2024.08.28

The travel brand Aww, which proposes exciting journeys, has been focusing on sustainable products made with cactus leather and apple leather. This summer, they announced the collection, For the Blue Collection, using recycled fishing nets (discarded fishing nets), one of the main causes of marine waste.

Behind this collaboration lies the activities of the general incorporated association ALLIANCE FOR THE BLUE, which aims to protect rich seas and pass them on to the next generation. To solve the internationally recognized issue of marine waste, they coordinate cooperation between companies and aim to effectively use resources and reduce the environmental burden on the marine environment through creating products utilizing discarded fishing nets (Product for the Blue).

This time, we spoke with Megumi Ishida, founder of Aww, and Koichi Nomura, president of ALLIANCE FOR THE BLUE, about the issue of marine waste and the appeal of sustainable products born from it.

PROFILE

Megumi Ishida

Founder of travel item brand, Aww, and CEO of MOVED

Having experienced a life-changing trip to San Diego, USA, during her university days, she started the travel brand "Aww" in 2020 to let as many people as possible experience the joy and wonder of travel. She offers a variety of travel goods, including travel suitcases, and runs a travel community.

PROFILE

Koichi Nomura

President of ALLIANCE FOR THE BLUE

After experience in public relations and CSR promotion, pushing forward businesses in China, and IR in the manufacturing industry, he became an independent consultant in 2019. He established the general incorporated association ALLIANCE FOR THE BLUE in 2020, using his experience in the manufacturing industry and knowledge as a sustainability consultant to pass down the blessings of the sea to future generations.