At first glance the founders of Bureo look like a casting call for a Southern California surfing show. But as tanned and gorgeous as they may be, they had bigger fish to fry – or in this case, save. The founders, driven by a passion to protect our oceans, have found a positive solution for discarded waste – turning old fishing nets into skateboards.
Bureo Skateboards Recycled From Fishing Nets
The name Bureo comes from the language of the Mapuche, native Chileans, and means “the waves.” Selected in honor of the Chilean people, the name represents their mission: to create plastic-free oceans.
Discarded fishing nets account for 10% of the plastic pollution in the ocean. Bureo works with small fishing communities in Chile to recycle their nets into skateboards (and sunglasses). They design and manufacture a unique line of sustainable skateboards by utilizing the growing amount of plastic pollution in Chilean communities and coastlines.
By offering recycled high quality products, Bureo enables ethically conscious consumers to support recycling development and job growth for local inhabitants.
Becoming aware of the growing degradation of the ocean environment, the Bureo team has made it their mission to make a difference and contribute to the fight against plastic pollution.
Their recycling program in Chile, ‘Net Positiva’, provides fishing net collection points to keep plastic fishing nets out of our oceans. Preventing harmful materials from entering the ocean, these programs protect wildlife and supporting local fishing communities through financial incentives.
The Process:
Once collected, the nets our washed and prepared for a mechanical recycling process. Within this process, they are shredded and fed through a ‘pelletizer’, where they are melted and cut into small recycled pellets. These pellets are then injected into steel molds to form their products.
The skateboards:
MINNOW CRUISER DECK
They began with The Minnow (deck only). A 25″ x 7.5″ fish shaped cruiser skateboard deck with custom split tail and gripping scale pattern. The world’s first recycled fishing net skateboard deck, the Minnow’s 25” body is perfect for cruising the streets and along the beach.
MINNOW CRUISER SKATEBOARD
This 25″ cruiser is paired with 30% veggie oil wheels and premium marine grade hardware to bring you a quality ride. Each skateboard prevents more than 30 square feet of harmful plastic fishnets from entering our oceans while providing support to local Chilean fishing communities. Made in Chile. Choose from 4 different colored wheels.
AHI PERFORMANCE CRUISER SKATEBOARD
Then they added ‘The Ahi’ to their stable. Joining the ‘Minnow’ as a larger cruiser, the new board is marked by a concave deck, double kicktail and a wide riding platform. ‘The Ahi’ has been designed to give riders true performance with purpose. Carefully developed through extensive rider testing, the top deck features a gripping scale pattern and unique replacement grip pattern. A 27″ performance cruiser at 9″ wide, it’s built for a lifetime of riding. The durable and rigid deck maintains stability and stiffness in all riding conditions. Made in California.
Bureo also sells water bottles, apparel and more.
Shop the skateboards here
Follow them on Instagram @bureo
images and info courtesy of bureo