The Marine Resources Department (DRM) has launched an ambitious project to promote a circular economy by recycling plastic floats from pearl farming—a key industry for French Polynesia but also a major source of plastic waste.
In 2023, the DRM collected 6,000 floats in the Leeward Islands and Tuamotu-Gambier as part of a campaign to recycle pearl farming waste.
A Pilot Recycling Project for Plastic Floats
The main challenge lies in the durability of the floats, made from ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which is difficult to grind due to its toughness. However, the DRM has tested a shredding process to convert these floats into pellets—a method that could be adapted for other islands to facilitate local plastic waste management.
For now, a specialized shredder has been used, and grinding the floats significantly reduces waste volume. A single “big bag” can hold up to 40 whole floats, but once shredded, it can store the equivalent of 300 floats in pellet form, drastically cutting transportation costs and logistical challenges.
Local Impact and Recycling Potential
The DRM’s goal is to implement this shredding process directly on the docks of the concerned islands. This would reduce maritime transport costs while providing an on-site recycling solution. Additionally, reducing float volume could encourage more sustainable waste management among pearl farmers and other local stakeholders.
Pearl farmers are increasingly aware of the importance of recycling. According to Marcelle Howard, President of GIE Toarava, recycling these floats could not only meet the needs of pearl farmers but also supply other sectors, such as lagoon tourism, where the material could be repurposed—for example, in manufacturing urban furniture.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The pilot project has generated significant interest, particularly from a local plastic industry player monitoring its progress. ABS plastic, commonly used in car bumpers, could find new life in local applications if the pellets meet necessary technical standards.
However, the project faces a major hurdle: the recovery of the pearl farming market. The industry is currently struggling, and demand for recycled floats will largely depend on its revival.
Conclusion
This plastic float recycling initiative marks an important step toward establishing a circular economy in Polynesia. It demonstrates how the pearl farming sector can play an active role in environmental protection while developing practical and economically viable solutions for plastic waste management. The DRM continues to explore innovative approaches that could eventually transform waste into valuable resources for the community.
Leave a Reply