February 7, 2024

 

Vietnam's Quang Ninh province replaces foam aquaculture cages with eco-friendly plastic

More than 6.85 million aquaculture floating cages made from foam in Vietnam's northern province of Quang Ninh have been replaced with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic cages, bringing benefits to both the environment and local farmers, The Star reported.

 

As of November last year, the province, which boasts over 32,000 hectares of aquaculture farms, had successfully replaced 98% of foam cages with durable and environmentally friendly HDPE plastic ones.

 

HDPE plastic, known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental elements such as big waves and strong winds, has emerged as a suitable replacement for foam cages. Not only does it withstand high loads, but it is also non-oxidising.

 

Efforts to transition to HDPE cages have been accompanied by responsible disposal of foam cages by local authorities, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Foam pieces from the replaced cages have been repurposed as fuel in industrial zones and cement plants, contributing to heat recovery and coal conservation.

 

In Cam Pha City and Ha Long City, foam remnants have been repurposed as fuel, generating heat in industrial zones and cement plants. When burned at high temperatures, foam converts into heat without adverse environmental effects, ultimately aiding in cement production.

 

Recognising the need for responsible disposal, Quang Yen Town has collaborated with a HDPE cage supplier in Bac Ninh Province to recycle foam cages, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

 

Van Don District has taken significant strides towards recycling foam cages, with over two million cages collected at Cai Rong Fishing Port. These cages are being processed by the VietCycle Joint Stock Company, which specializes in recycling domestic scrap.

 

The recycling process involves crushing, heating, and compressing foam to create solid plastic, which is then repurposed into various products. The company's efforts have already seen the recycling of 40 tonnes of foam, with plans to enhance capacity in the near future.

 

Local authorities are optimistic about the ongoing recycling efforts and hope for further investments in larger production lines to accelerate the recycling process and address the remaining foam inventory effectively.

 

-        The Star