Article Number: 8992
Interface Casting a Wider Net with Investments in People and the Environment
Net-Works is an innovative, cross-sector initiative designed to tackle the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities whilst at the same time support Interface’s Mission Zero goal to source 100% recycled material for its carpet tiles. The programme has established a community-based supply chain for collecting discarded fishing nets in rural coastal areas in the central Philippines (including the Bantayan Islands and Danajon Bank, one of only six double-barrier reefs in the world).
What impact has Net-Works had?
Collection levels: In the first 2 years, more than 35,000 kg have been collected, helping 4,500 villagers in 24 communities in Danajon Bank and the Bantayan Islands. If not collected, these nets can persist for centuries, taking a toll on the environment and marine life.
Socio-economic impact: Through collection of the fishing nets, artisanal fishers and community members, who generally live at or below the poverty line, can earn supplemental income. Net-Works is closely integrated with valuable community banking systems that support and strengthen the local, developing economy and provide new financial opportunities for residents. Community banking empowers village members to establish forms of micro-insurance, savings and loans for the benefit of both individuals and the community.
Environmental impact: Net-Works helps to ensure that end-of-life fishing nets, now an additional source of revenue for residents, will no longer be discarded on beaches or in ocean waters. Net-Works not only brings Interface one step closer to its goal of closed-loop manufacturing, but also brings ZSL closer to its conservation goals of improving coastal environments, including villages, beaches and waters as well as conditions for marine life.
What makes Net-Works different?
With Net-Works, we’ve aspired to create a project that is good for people, good for the environment and is equally good for business. For Interface, Net-Works is the first step on a path towards becoming a restorative enterprise, a goal originally established by our founder, Ray Anderson.
Net-Works is the product of a true partnership and collaboration between Interface, the Zoological Society of London and our yarn supplier Aquafil leveraging the different skills, experiences and networks of each partner.
As Miriam Turner, AVP Co-innovation at Interface and a co-founder of Net-Works explains: “It may seem a little crazy that a commercial carpet tile company has ended up working with the fishing community on a remote double barrier reef. But that's the beauty of seeing design as more than just product. Co-innovating with experts from lots of different disciplines has been brilliant; together we've re-imagined what the value chain could look like. Sustainability is the mother of all collaborations after all.”
What’s next for Net-Works?
ZSL has been awarded funding from the UK government’s Darwin Initiative and USAID’s Regional Environmental Office to support community-based conservation work which includes Net-Works as a key component. These programmes will support expansion in the Philippines and the set-up of Net-Works in Cameroon, Central Africa. In addition, the Net-Works partners are working on a toolkit to assist with finding new partners, to replicate andgrow our Net-Works project.
What impact has Net-Works had?
Collection levels: In the first 2 years, more than 35,000 kg have been collected, helping 4,500 villagers in 24 communities in Danajon Bank and the Bantayan Islands. If not collected, these nets can persist for centuries, taking a toll on the environment and marine life.
Socio-economic impact: Through collection of the fishing nets, artisanal fishers and community members, who generally live at or below the poverty line, can earn supplemental income. Net-Works is closely integrated with valuable community banking systems that support and strengthen the local, developing economy and provide new financial opportunities for residents. Community banking empowers village members to establish forms of micro-insurance, savings and loans for the benefit of both individuals and the community.
Environmental impact: Net-Works helps to ensure that end-of-life fishing nets, now an additional source of revenue for residents, will no longer be discarded on beaches or in ocean waters. Net-Works not only brings Interface one step closer to its goal of closed-loop manufacturing, but also brings ZSL closer to its conservation goals of improving coastal environments, including villages, beaches and waters as well as conditions for marine life.
What makes Net-Works different?
With Net-Works, we’ve aspired to create a project that is good for people, good for the environment and is equally good for business. For Interface, Net-Works is the first step on a path towards becoming a restorative enterprise, a goal originally established by our founder, Ray Anderson.
Net-Works is the product of a true partnership and collaboration between Interface, the Zoological Society of London and our yarn supplier Aquafil leveraging the different skills, experiences and networks of each partner.
As Miriam Turner, AVP Co-innovation at Interface and a co-founder of Net-Works explains: “It may seem a little crazy that a commercial carpet tile company has ended up working with the fishing community on a remote double barrier reef. But that's the beauty of seeing design as more than just product. Co-innovating with experts from lots of different disciplines has been brilliant; together we've re-imagined what the value chain could look like. Sustainability is the mother of all collaborations after all.”
What’s next for Net-Works?
ZSL has been awarded funding from the UK government’s Darwin Initiative and USAID’s Regional Environmental Office to support community-based conservation work which includes Net-Works as a key component. These programmes will support expansion in the Philippines and the set-up of Net-Works in Cameroon, Central Africa. In addition, the Net-Works partners are working on a toolkit to assist with finding new partners, to replicate andgrow our Net-Works project.
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