{"id":8477,"date":"2016-10-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leapisani.si\/aquafil-nekdanji-yulon-iz-zavrzenih-ribiskih-mrez-proizvaja-ekoloski-najlon-econyl\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T10:10:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T10:10:30","slug":"aquafil-nekdanji-yulon-iz-zavrzenih-ribiskih-mrez-proizvaja-ekoloski-najlon-econyl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leapisani.si\/en\/aquafil-nekdanji-yulon-iz-zavrzenih-ribiskih-mrez-proizvaja-ekoloski-najlon-econyl\/","title":{"rendered":"Aquafil (formerly Julon) Produces Eco-Friendly Nylon Econyl\u00ae from Discarded Fishing Nets"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A Slovenian Innovation Turning Ocean Waste into Sustainable Fashion<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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At\u00a0<\/span>AquafilSLO<\/em>\u2014formerly known as Julon\u2014a remarkable innovation has turned one of the ocean\u2019s most harmful pollutants into a valuable, sustainable resource. Years ago, the company discovered that\u00a0<\/span>ghost nets<\/em>\u2014abandoned or lost fishing nets drifting in seas and oceans\u2014can 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\u2014and, in rare cases, even divers. Trapped animals suffer injuries, infections, starvation, and suffocation, especially those unable to reach the surface for air (Source: Wikipedia).<\/p>\n

Aquafil\u2019s pioneering solution not only helps clean up marine ecosystems but also feeds directly into the circular economy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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From Waste to Wonder: The Journey of Econyl\u00ae<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The journey begins in\u00a0<\/span>Ajdov\u0161\u010dina<\/em>, where fishing nets from around the globe are shipped to be mechanically cleaned and prepared. The process then continues in\u00a0<\/span>Ljubljana<\/em>, where the material undergoes a proprietary chemical transformation. Through advanced chemical and technical procedures, the nets are converted into\u00a0<\/span>caprolactam<\/strong>\u2014a granulate used to produce\u00a0<\/span>Econyl\u00ae<\/strong>, an eco-friendly nylon thread.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Econyl\u00ae is identical in quality to virgin nylon but is made without using new resources, drastically reducing the environmental impact. And it\u2019s gaining momentum\u2014fast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cDemand still exceeds the quantities we can produce,\u201d says AquafilSLO\u2019s director,\u00a0<\/span>Edi Kraus<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In fact, AquafilSLO is currently the\u00a0<\/span>only factory in the world<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>producing ecological polyamide fibers from reclaimed ocean waste. This gives Slovenia a leading role in sustainable textile innovation\u2014a story that deserves far more recognition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A 50-Year Legacy of Innovation<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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During a recent tour of the facility, which celebrates its\u00a0<\/span>50th anniversary<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>this year, I was joined by\u00a0<\/span>Boro Macus<\/em>, the company\u2019s first technical director, and his wife\u00a0<\/span>Alenka Macus<\/em>, a textile expert who later worked at the\u00a0<\/span>Textilcolor<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>factory in Switzerland. Boro Macus was instrumental in setting up the original production lines before continuing his career abroad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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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\u2014not just from a technical standpoint, but as a symbol of what can be achieved when environmental responsibility meets industrial ingenuity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A Global Success Story Born in Slovenia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Aquafil\u2019s Econyl\u00ae is now used by major fashion and interior design brands committed to sustainability, helping reduce the industry\u2019s reliance on fossil fuels. From carpeting to swimwear and high-end clothing, this regenerated nylon is reshaping how we think about waste and value.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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AquafilSLO proves that solutions to some of the world\u2019s 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\u2014it\u2019s a point of national pride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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