Aquafil (formerly Julon) Produces Eco-Friendly Nylon Econyl® from Discarded Fishing Nets
A Slovenian Innovation Turning Ocean Waste into Sustainable Fashion
At AquafilSLO—formerly known as Julon—a remarkable innovation has turned one of the ocean’s most harmful pollutants into a valuable, sustainable resource. Years ago, the company discovered that ghost nets—abandoned or lost fishing nets drifting in seas and oceans—can be transformed into high-quality raw material through a carefully developed industrial process. These so-called ghost nets are more than just marine litter. They pose a deadly threat to ocean life, often entangling sea turtles, dolphins, fish, sharks, manatees, crabs, and birds—and, in rare cases, even divers. Trapped animals suffer injuries, infections, starvation, and suffocation, especially those unable to reach the surface for air (Source: Wikipedia).
Aquafil’s pioneering solution not only helps clean up marine ecosystems but also feeds directly into the circular economy.
From Waste to Wonder: The Journey of Econyl®
The journey begins in Ajdovščina, where fishing nets from around the globe are shipped to be mechanically cleaned and prepared. The process then continues in Ljubljana, where the material undergoes a proprietary chemical transformation. Through advanced chemical and technical procedures, the nets are converted into caprolactam—a granulate used to produce Econyl®, an eco-friendly nylon thread.
Econyl® is identical in quality to virgin nylon but is made without using new resources, drastically reducing the environmental impact. And it’s gaining momentum—fast.
“Demand still exceeds the quantities we can produce,” says AquafilSLO’s director, Edi Kraus.
In fact, AquafilSLO is currently the only factory in the world producing ecological polyamide fibers from reclaimed ocean waste. This gives Slovenia a leading role in sustainable textile innovation—a story that deserves far more recognition.
A 50-Year Legacy of Innovation
During a recent tour of the facility, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, I was joined by Boro Macus, the company’s first technical director, and his wife Alenka Macus, a textile expert who later worked at the Textilcolor factory in Switzerland. Boro Macus was instrumental in setting up the original production lines before continuing his career abroad.
Our guide, Mr. Kraus, led us through the expansive, highly organized production halls, equipped with cutting-edge technology. The efficiency and innovation on display were impressive—not just from a technical standpoint, but as a symbol of what can be achieved when environmental responsibility meets industrial ingenuity.
A Global Success Story Born in Slovenia
Aquafil’s Econyl® is now used by major fashion and interior design brands committed to sustainability, helping reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. From carpeting to swimwear and high-end clothing, this regenerated nylon is reshaping how we think about waste and value.
AquafilSLO proves that solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges can emerge from places often overlooked on the global stage. Their story is not only a triumph of science and engineering—it’s a point of national pride.
