Bureo Skateboards Recycled From Fishing Nets in Chile.

bureo skateboards recycled from fishing nets

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

Team Bureo
Team Bureo

netting used to make skateboards

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.

skateboards made of recycled materials

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.

skateboards from Chile

By offering recycled high quality products, Bureo enables ethically conscious consumers to support recycling development and job growth for local inhabitants.

Bureo recycled skateboards

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.

Bureo skateboards

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.

upcycling

The Process:
turning fishing nets into skate decksnets to decks

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.

discarded Chilean fishing nets
discarded Chilean fishing nets
cutting the nets to be shred
cutting the nets to be shred
the nets are then turned into little recycled pellets
the nets are then turned into little recycled pellets
the pellets are injected into steel molds to become skate decks
the pellets are injected into steel molds to become skate decks

skateboards made from recycled materials

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
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.

bureo skate decks

AHI PERFORMANCE CRUISER SKATEBOARD
performance skateboards

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.

riding a skateboard close-up

Bureo also sells water bottles, apparel and more.

Shop the skateboards here

Follow them on Instagram @bureo

images and info courtesy of bureo