ICAR-CIFT, Kochi Exhibition Showcases Value-Added Products from Marine Litter, Including Recycled Plastic Pellets and Construction Composites

29 October 2026, Kochi

ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, organised a ‘From Waste to Worth’ exhibition as part of its Swachhata Action Plan, showcasing innovative ways to convert marine litter, particularly waste generated from fishing activities, into value-added products. The exhibition highlighted the potential of simple technologies and recycling methods to transform discarded fishing gear, plastic waste and boat materials into useful products, while promoting environmental protection, skill development and livelihood opportunities.

A key highlight of the exhibition was the conversion of marine plastic waste into recycled plastic pellets and cementitious composites with potential applications in construction and other commercial sectors. The exhibits demonstrated how recovered marine litter waste can be processed into pellets and incorporated into cement-based composite materials, offering potential avenues for its productive utilisation. These approaches support circular-economy practices by turning discarded plastics into potential raw materials for new products, subject to appropriate testing and quality standards.

The exhibition also featured a diverse range of products made from discarded fishing gear and boat materials, including art and craft items, ornaments, decorative structures, flower pots, plant pots, paving tiles and injection-moulded products. These exhibits demonstrated how materials that could otherwise contribute to marine pollution can be repurposed for practical and aesthetic applications.

A jellyfish model made using discarded fishing nets and ropes, along with a boat model crafted from discarded fishing gear, attracted visitors. Models of fish, sea turtles and other marine organisms further showcased the creative reuse of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). The exhibits illustrated how marine litter can be transformed into useful products rather than remaining an environmental burden.

Products made from discarded fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boat materials, including flower pots and other decorative and utility items, were also displayed. Together, the exhibits highlighted various approaches to marine litter utilisation, ranging from artistic creations and household products to recycled plastic pellets and construction-related composites.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about marine litter and encourage fisherwomen, youth and students to develop practical skills in converting waste from fishing activities into useful and potentially marketable products. Through accessible technologies and innovative reuse methods, the programme seeks to promote livelihood opportunities while encouraging responsible waste management and reducing the environmental impact of discarded fishing materials.

Students from MES Asmabi College, Padinjare Vemballur, visited the exhibition and explored the products developed from marine litter and discarded FRP boat materials. A technical session on the impacts of marine litter and measures to mitigate them was Senior Scientist, Fishing Technology Division, ICAR-CIFT.

Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT addressed the gathering during the inaugural programme.

(Source: ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi)