2025.07.17THU
2025.06.08
Tuna Fishing "Fishing Lines" Turned into Sunglasses: The Startup "amu" from Kesennuma Takes On Gear Upcycling
Many people enjoy spending time looking out at the sea. However, 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year. One of the culprits is fishing gear.
The use of plastic materials in fishing gear has marked a major advancement in modern fisheries. Yet, durable and easy-to-handle plastics, if not properly disposed of, place a heavy burden on the environment. How can we reduce industrial waste generated from fishing? A solution to this problem is being introduced by a startup based in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture: amu Co., Ltd.
Led by CEO Kodai Kato, Amu was founded by four members—none of whom are Kesennuma natives. Their unique initiative transforms fishing nets into apparel. We spoke with Hisashi Tatemoto, one of Amu's founding members, to learn more about their efforts.
PROFILE
Hisashi Tatemoto
amu Co., Ltd.
"From Waste to Resource"—How Sunglasses Are Made from Fishing Lines
As its first upcycled product, Amu unveiled sunglasses in March this year made with monofilament (fishing lines) used in longline tuna fisheries as the raw material. They gather fishing lines purchased from fishers, thoroughly wash them, process them through specialized machinery, and turn them into pellets, which are then reborn as new products.Share Article
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