AFTCO Launches Fisheries First: A Commitment to Sustainability

American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) integrates sustainability into manufacturing processes, product packaging, internal day-to-day operations, and community events through Fisheries First pledge.

AFTCO is committed to reducing the environmental impact on the oceans, rivers, lakes, and land that support our fisheries. The Fisheries First Pledge was created to address issues in our own company and step up to the plate to make a positive environmental impact and achieve sustainability goals. From a business level, AFTCO is focused to transition apparel to recycled materials, update product packaging, eliminate single-use plastics and consider how we can contribute to, not detract from, the long-term health of our fisheries.

Although AFTCO was proud to win a best in category award at ICAST 2020 with our Saba Recycled Boardshorts, other brands in the fishing and outdoor spaces have blazed the trail long before. In the same manner we have led the charge in conservation through our 10% Pledge to Protect & Conserve since 1973. Now we aim to set the bar for building a sustainable business within the fishing industry by setting specific goals and implementing new processes that we believe will make a positive impact on the health of our fisheries.

Recycled & Sustainable Fabrics – We use 100% recycled polyester and sustainable fabric alternatives wherever possible. In 2022, 30% of new AFTCO sportswear offerings will be constructed from materials like ECONYL® regenerated nylon.

Hang Tags – With a transition beginning in Spring 2022, nearly all sportswear hang tags will be made from traceable post-consumer recycled paper products and materials by 2023.

Energy & Waste Reduction – The installation of solar panels has rendered AFTCO HQ nearly energy self-sufficient. Our catalogs utilize recycled stock, paper consumption has decreased, and we’re exploring additional areas of improvement.

Community Events – Working with our communities and getting our hands dirty by cleaning up our beaches, lakes, rivers, and land with Bank Bag clean up activations.

These actions make a positive impact on the environment our fish live in. Using recycled polyester fabric, recycled plastic packaging and reducing our total plastic consumption helps to reduce the estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic that enter our ocean from land based sources each year. Reducing our landfill footprint will ensure better water quality. Switching to recycled paper means less freshwater usage and lower carbon emissions. AFTCO is just getting started, but as they seek to educate the next generation of anglers and reduce their impact, we can help to ensure cleaner waters and the restoration of fisheries for the future.

Learn more about AFTCO’s Fisheries First pledge at aftco.com/fisheriesfirst.

Rescue + ECONYL®: Clothing Made from Regenerated Nylon

At ICAST 2021, AFTCO is extremely proud to launch the Rescue line of fishing clothing constructed from ECONYL® fabrics. ECONYL® is regenerated nylon made from recycled Nylon 6 waste material such as carpets, fabric, commercial fishing nets and other waste materials. Normally, nylon has a significantly detrimental impact on the environment but utilizing ECONYL® regenerated base materials can help reduce the imprint. The fabrication process also utilizes less water and creates less waste by the end making the base material even more sustainable. The initial Rescue line will include the Rescue Fishing Shorts, Rescue Hybrid Shorts, Rescue Performance Hoodie, and Rescue Performance ¼ zip. These items will be available starting Spring of 2022.