afflelou

Afflelou x Gravity Wave

20 tonnes less plastic fishing nets in the Mediterranean

Continuing to look after a clean sea (Mira Por Un Mar Limpio)

The Mediterranean continues to receive tonnes of plastic every year, and abandoned or discarded fishing nets are among the most harmful waste for marine biodiversity. Since 2022, ALAIN AFFLELOU and Gravity Wave have been working together to bring this reality out from beneath the surface and turn it into real, visible and measurable action.

After four editions collaborating to remove nets and plastic from the sea and ports of the Mediterranean, ALAIN AFFLELOU is taking another step forward in 2026 with the fifth edition of “Mira Por Un Mar Limpio”: a new challenge to reach 20 tonnes of plastic fishing nets removed from the Mediterranean since the beginning of the partnership.

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Solution

One pair of sunglasses, one direct action in the sea

To make this possible, ALAIN AFFLELOU will donate 1% of its sunglasses sales in July to fund the collection of plastic fishing nets from Mediterranean seas and ports together with Gravity Wave.

The action is based on a collection model that combines working with traditional fishermen, who recover waste during their days at sea, with the installation of containers in ports so that fishing guilds can deposit discarded nets before they end up in the water. A simple way to turn the purchase of a pair of sunglasses into direct impact for the ocean.

Impact

5 years of collaboration, 20 tonnes to reach

Since the beginning of the partnership, ALAIN AFFLELOU and Gravity Wave have already removed 15 tonnes of plastic fishing nets from the Mediterranean. In 2026, the goal is to add 5 more tonnes and reach a total of 20,000 kg of recovered waste.

But the project goes beyond cleaning the sea. It also promotes circularity through collection boxes made from recycled material, available in ALAIN AFFLELOU optical stores, where customers can donate glasses in good condition to extend their useful life. In this way, the partnership brings together clean-up, reuse and environmental awareness in one single action.

A collaboration that keeps growing

2022 – The beginning of the partnership

ALAIN AFFLELOU joins forces with Gravity Wave to start removing fishing nets and plastics from the Mediterranean, connecting its commitment with real action at sea.

2023-2025 – From waste to resource
The collaboration grows year after year, adding tonnes of recovered nets and raising awareness of the importance of taking action before this waste continues to damage marine ecosystems.

2026 – 5th year looking towards a clean sea
The campaign returns stronger than ever: 15 tonnes already removed, a new goal of reaching 20 tonnes, and a direct mechanic to involve customers. During July, 1% of sunglasses sales will go towards continuing to clean Mediterranean seas and ports.