Partner Spotlight: From Waste to Wonder – Aquafil’s Mission for a Regenerative Future

At Healthy Seas, we believe that powerful change begins with people. That’s why our Partner Spotlight series shines a light on the individuals behind the companies that support our mission to protect the ocean, restore biodiversity, and advance circular solutions.

In this edition, we spoke with Maria Giovanna Sandrini, Chief Communication Officer at Aquafil—a global leader in synthetic fibers and a founding member of the Healthy Seas Foundation.

Aquafil is best known as the inventor of the ECONYL® Regeneration System, a groundbreaking process that transforms nylon waste—including abandoned fishing nets, textile scraps, and old carpets—into high-quality nylon yarn that can be infinitely regenerated. This pioneering innovation allows to turn nylon nets from cleanups and prevention projects with the fishing industry into new products like swimwear, carpets, and automotive interiors.

With a long-standing commitment to sustainability, Aquafil has helped shape Healthy Seas from the beginning—not only by closing the loop, but by advocating for responsible design, production, and consumption in the textile industry.

We asked Maria Giovanna to share a few thoughts on the ocean, innovation, and what drives her work.

Q&A with Maria Giovanna Sandrini

Tell us briefly about your organization.

Aquafil is a company producing synthetic fibers, mainly nylon 6. We are recognized globally for being the first to produce these fibers using waste instead of raw materials derived from oil.

What is your favorite marine animal and why?

The octopus—it’s very intelligent and full of surprises.

What does the ocean mean to you personally?

Freedom.

Earth or Mars?

Earth—because it’s full of life.

Which is your favorite place on Earth? And why?

Australia. Because the life balance is a must and not a dream.

What is one small habit everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution?

Pollution starts at home. Don’t throw away waste that could end up in our seas. Be mindful of how you dispose of everyday materials.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about marine pollution?

That it can persist for centuries.

What’s the most memorable thing you have experienced with or thanks to Healthy Seas?

Living physical experiences with the team. There’s something powerful about being out there together, seeing the problem and the solution up close, take action.

If you could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

The ocean is the planet’s biggest oxygen producer. Let’s protect it—for the good of all life on Earth.

What’s the most incredible transformation you’ve seen as a result of ocean cleanup efforts?

The more initiatives we do, the more people become aware of the issue—and want to take action to help solve it.

If you could solve one ocean-related issue instantly, what would it be?

Ensure that all fishing nets are eco-designed, so they can be recycled after their useful life.

How do you see your industry evolving to support ocean sustainability in the next decade?

By embracing circular design from the start—creating materials and products that are truly recyclable, and eliminating waste before it’s created.

Aquafil x Healthy Seas: Closing the Loop, Creating New Value

From day one, Aquafil has been a vital part of Healthy Seas—not only supporting our mission but powering the circular model. By transforming fishing nets and other nylon waste into regenerated ECONYL® yarn, Aquafil proves that environmental responsibility and industrial innovation can go hand in hand.

Together, we’ve shown that waste can become raw material, and that protecting the ocean can also mean rethinking how products are designed, used, and reimagined.

Join the Movement

Is your company ready to turn purpose into action? Partnering with Healthy Seas means contributing to real impact—while telling a story your customers and employees can be proud of.

Let’s make waves together. Get in touch to explore how your business can be part of the solution.

👉 Want to meet more of our partners?
Check out the first two spotlights featuring Hyundai and Friedmans.