Fishy Filaments; Distributed and Localised Manufacture in the Marine Sector

Fishy Filaments is designed to provide a new kind of distributed recycling infrastructure that is able to intercept waste fishing nets and upcycle them on the harbourside ready for local reuse, whether that be in additive manufacturing/3D printing or in more conventional industrial processes such as injection moulding, rotomolding or casting. Every kilo of waste nets it recycles saves over 6.5kg of carbon emissions through displacement of new plastics being produced, but the transparency and accountability built into the business model means that the recyclate commands a premium price in ethically and environmentally aware design.

Ian Falconer has helped drill oil wells, dig mines, build global telecoms networks and in other infrastructurefocussed engineering challenges. Over the last two decades his work has focussed on resource efficiency, whether that be in manufacturing design or extractive systems. Fishy Filaments was crowdfunded in 2017 and has over 400 shareholders in 19 different countries. Based in Newlyn, it is currently exporting 3D printer filament to 16 countries.

Date/Time: 13th Nov 2019 1915hrs

Venue: Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, Falmouth

Members and non-members welcome.