June 11, 2025 -
From Ghost Nets to Runway Fashion: Chinese Firm Pioneers Circular Textile Revolution
A Zhejiang-based innovator is transforming discarded fishing nets into premium sustainable fabrics, creating an unlikely bridge between ocean conservation and high-end fashion.
The Tech Behind the Transformation
Yingruite Renewable Materials has cracked the code on marine plastic upcycling:
- 21-step purification process removes salt, sand and organic matter
- Patented depolymerization restores nylon quality to virgin-grade standards
- Blockchain traceability lets consumers scan QR codes to see exact ocean origin
“Each T-shirt represents 3 square meters of ocean cleared,” said CEO Yi Shen, whose team reverse-engineered European recycling concepts into scalable solutions.
Market Impact & Expansion
With 58,000 tons of nets processed since 2021, the company has:
Built collection networks across 9 coastal provinces
Partnered with 12 global sportswear brands
Achieved 92% lower carbon footprint vs conventional nylon
Their recently published industry standards are attracting attention from EU and US sustainability regulators.
The Bigger Picture
As fast fashion faces scrutiny, Yingruite’s model shows how circular economy principles can:
- Create jobs in coastal communities
- Reduce microplastic pollution
- Open $3.2B market for marine-sourced materials
The company now eyes Southeast Asian markets where abandoned fishing gear accounts for 40% of ocean plastics.