ICAR-CIFT Organises Exhibition on Converting Marine Waste into Value-Added Products

KOCHI — The ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), based in Kochi, has organised a 'From Waste to Worth' exhibition under its Swachhata Action Plan. The event highlighted innovative methods to convert marine litter, particularly waste generated from fishing activities, into value-added products.

The exhibition demonstrated how discarded fishing gear, plastic waste, and boat materials can be recycled or repurposed. According to the institute, these efforts are intended to support environmental protection, skill development, and livelihood generation within local communities.

A primary attraction at the expo was the processing of marine plastic waste into recycled plastic pellets and cementitious composites. These materials have potential applications in construction and other commercial sectors. The exhibits showed how recovered plastics could be incorporated into cement-based materials, supporting circular-economy practices by turning waste into potential raw materials for new products, subject to appropriate testing and quality standards.

Additionally, the exhibition featured a range of products manufactured from discarded fishing gear and boat materials. Items on display included art and craft pieces, ornaments, decorative structures, flower pots, paving tiles, and injection-moulded products. Models of fish, sea turtles, and other marine organisms crafted from abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) were also showcased to demonstrate the creative reuse of pollutants.

The event further displayed products made from discarded fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boat materials, such as flower pots and other decorative and utility items. These displays aimed to illustrate the commercial potential of converting boat waste into practical and marketable goods.

The initiative is designed to raise awareness regarding marine litter and encourage fisherwomen, youth, and students to acquire skills in waste conversion. By promoting accessible recycling technologies and innovative reuse methods, the programme seeks to create livelihood opportunities while fostering responsible waste management and reducing marine pollution.

"Initiatives that focus on converting waste into commercial raw materials highlight the growing importance of sustainability and circular-economy practices. By exploring the viability of recycled marine plastics and discarded fishing gear in sectors like construction and manufacturing, institutions can lay the groundwork for new enterprise models. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, engaging with waste-to-wealth technologies offers practical opportunities to develop environmentally responsible products while addressing resource management challenges." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes