Plastic is invading our oceans at an alarming rate, with millions of tons of marine waste threatening underwater wildlife and ecosystems every year. In response, innovative initiatives are emerging to turn this environmental crisis into a sustainable resource. The SEAQUAL Initiative is one of them.
Thanks to a global network of collectors and recyclers, this program gives a second life to marine plastic waste by transforming it into textile fibers. Let’s dive into the world of SEAQUAL, the textile initiative cleaning our oceans, and discover how it’s reshaping ethical fashion through committed partnerships like the one with Bluebuck.
SEAQUAL INITIATIVE: from plastic to purpose powered by hard work
Marine plastic: a crisis we all know
The numbers speak for themselves. Today, over 14 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans every year. Once in the sea, only 1% of that waste remains afloat; 5% washes up on coastlines, and the vast majority 94% sinks into the ocean depths. Invisible to the eye, these plastics continue to pollute ecosystems in the long run.
Of this suffocating mass, 80% comes from land: litter escaping waste systems, open-air dumps, and failing sanitation infrastructure. The rest comes from maritime industries, fishing, and transportation.
The consequences are disastrous: plastic kills marine life, contaminates the food chain, and ends up inside our own bodies — the equivalent of 50 credit cards ingested per year, according to some estimates. At this rate, it’s projected that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean.
A textile yarn unlike any other
Faced with this alarming reality, the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE has made it its mission to clean the oceans and transform marine waste into a sustainable textile resource.
Today, SEAQUAL INITIATIVE means:
- Fishermen engaged across multiple continents
- NGOs, manufacturers, and recycling specialists
- A full recycling chain, from sea to textile factory
The goal? Give marine plastic a second life, instead of letting it slowly degrade into invisible micro-particles.
But simply collecting plastic isn’t enough to turn it into a t-shirt or swimwear. Marine plastic is degraded by UV rays, saltwater, and currents. It takes real expertise to convert it into high-quality, durable, and traceable textile yarn.
From the sea to your underwear drawer: the journey of SEAQUAL yarn
From collection to recycling: a well-oiled process
It all starts along the coastlines and waters of five countries heavily affected by plastic pollution: Tunisia, Egypt, Vietnam, Mexico, and Brazil. There, SEAQUAL works closely with local cooperatives, NGOs, and fishermen to organize the collection of marine waste.
The collected waste is then sorted manually. Non-plastic materials (metal, glass, worn-out nets, etc.) are separated and sent to other recycling channels. The rest just the plastic is sent for processing.
This begins a four-step transformation process:
- Marine waste: plastic from the sea is gathered.
- SEAQUAL marine plastic: plastics are cleaned, shredded, and chemically sorted.
- SEAQUAL marine polymer: the purified plastic is transformed into pellets.
- SEAQUAL polyester yarn: the pellets are melted and extruded into high-quality textile yarn, ready to be used in garment production.
©SEAQUAL Initiative
Each step is strictly controlled and certified. The result: a high-performance recycled yarn that is traceable from sea to finished product, free from toxic substances (Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified), and compliant with Global Recycled Standard criteria.
Unlike other initiatives that merely recycle “clean” plastic bottles from household waste, SEAQUAL works directly with waste already polluting the environment. That’s the key difference it’s a curative solution, not just a preventive one.
SEAQUAL and Bluebuck: a natural alliance
At Bluebuck, the sea isn’t just a backdrop it’s a constant source of inspiration. The ocean and adventure are part of our DNA. And that belief is woven into the very fabric of our products. Our swim shorts are made entirely from SEAQUAL yarn, including the mesh lining.
But that’s not all. Our Sport Briefs and Sport Trunks collections also use SEAQUAL yarn blended with organic cotton. The jersey is knitted, dyed, and cut in Portugal at our trusted partner workshops. The result? Briefs and trunks that are durable, comfortable, and sustainably made.
This partnership means:
- SEAQUAL yarn sourced from Spain, where the waste is recycled
- 100% European manufacturing with strict quality control
- A real reduction in plastic impact, thanks to marine waste recycling
For those who still think sustainable fashion can’t be stylish, Bluebuck and SEAQUAL prove otherwise. It’s possible to combine aesthetics, comfort, and environmental responsibility without compromise.
Why choose SEAQUAL underwear? Benefits and impact
A responsible choice, effortlessly
Choosing underwear made from SEAQUAL yarn is a simple, effective way to help the planet. Every purchase supports a virtuous cycle that removes plastic from the ocean without sacrificing comfort or overthinking it.
The benefits are many and measurable:
- 37% reduction in CO₂ emissions*
- 34% less water consumption*
- 40% lower electricity usage*
*Compared to virgin polyester.
It’s just as strong, soft, and long-lasting with a much smaller footprint. And because traceability is key to the initiative, every fiber is identifiable, certified, and transparent.
No need to choose between comfort, design, and ethics SEAQUAL checks all the boxes.
Beyond textiles: a global commitment
What sets SEAQUAL apart is its long-term vision. The initiative doesn’t just recycle it tackles the problem at its source. It operates in regions without proper waste management, creates sustainable local jobs, and raises awareness about plastic pollution.
It supports a truly inclusive circular economy: collected waste creates value where it was once a burden. It’s a positive transformation both social and environmental.
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The fight against marine plastic pollution is no longer just alarmist talk it’s embodied by concrete, meaningful action, like that of the SEAQUAL initiative. By transforming marine debris into high-quality textile fibers, SEAQUAL is changing the way we consume fashion, offering sustainable and responsible alternatives.
With brands like Bluebuck fully embracing this mission, choosing swim shorts or underwear made from SEAQUAL fibers is a way to do good while feeling good. After all, when it comes to saving our oceans, every little gesture counts.