In recent months, the FILL project has received significant media attention thanks to two reports aired on the national and regional channels France 3 Normandie and TF1. Teams from both media outlets visited the field to learn about the various stages of the project. Filming took place at NaturePlast’s facilities, at the sites of several consortium partners, and directly with mussel farmers—who are the ones most directly affected by the use of these cultivation nets.
Developing biodegradable nets for shellfish farming
The FILL project aims to develop biodegradable nets for mussel farming. This initiative addresses a problem clearly identified by the industry: the accidental loss of nets at sea and the resulting environmental impacts.
To meet this challenge, several industrial and technical stakeholders are collaborating to design a solution tailored to the constraints of shellfish farming, while meeting the performance requirements expected in the field.
Here are all the project partners: University of Southern Brittany (UBS) – ComposiTIC, Synergie Mer Et Littoral (SMEL), Filt 1860, ASSOCIATION CETI (EUROPEAN CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE TEXTILES, Normandy Regional Shellfish Farming Committee⸱Hauts-de-France
The role of NaturePlast
Beyond their visual and seasonal appeal, these trials are part of an experimental process. They enable NaturePlast, as part of the project, to work on the formulation and production of compounds made from biodegradable plastics. These materials are then used to manufacture the nets, which will be tested and evaluated under real-world conditions.
This step is essential to ensuring a balance between durability, technical performance, and end-of-life management.
An innovation developed in collaboration with stakeholders on the ground
One of the strengths of the FILL project lies in its collaborative, local approach involving Brittany and Normandy. Development work is carried out in close collaboration with the project’s industrial partners, including Filt 1860, as well as with professionals in the mussel farming industry.
The reports aired by France 3 Normandie and TF1 highlighted this cooperation by giving a voice to the various stakeholders involved and providing a concrete look at the challenges they face on a daily basis.
A project supported by the Brittany Region and FEAMPA
The FILL project is supported by the Brittany Region and FEAMPA Research & Innovation, whose funding contributes to the development of innovative solutions for maritime activities.
This media coverage is a great recognition of all the partners involved and helps raise awareness of the work being done on bioplastics for marine applications.
NaturePlast would like to thank all the film crews and project partners for their participation in these documentaries, which help highlight the progress of the FILL project and the challenges of innovation in the shellfish farming industry.
