▲ Alubuoy / CEO Youngjong Baek

South Korea is rated as the top fine plastic coastal polluter in the world. The reason is the widespread use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) added by other marine plastic. The Korea Maritime Environment Management Corporation survey from 2018 to 2020 shows that 83% marine litters were plastic of which 40.7% were fishery-related with styrofoam topped the rank with 27.7%. 

During the same period, the ministry collected 138,000 tons of marine litters, 45% jump from previous period. Experts voice together that marine litters not only affect living organism in the sea but our dinning table. Around 12% maritime accidents also are caused by these litters. 

Taking the matter seriously, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced to ban the use of styrofoam buoy in all fishery farms from November 2023 while the hanging culture farms are subject to from November 2022. The ministry goals zero styrofoam and plastic buoy in all fishery farms in the nation by the end of 2024. 

Alubuoy was established in 2019 and is making and supplying the world’s first eco-friendly aluminium buoy. CEO Youngjong Baek obtained Performance Certificate from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups by proving that the eco-friendly aluminium buoy does not contain harmful substances including organotin compound, arsenic, lead, chrome and mercury. The eco-friendly aluminium buoy does not corrode and shatters grain. The weight is 2.9kg based on 62 liter of 400mm x 580mm which makes it easy to install and move. The tests also showed that it is the strongest buoy in the nation by proving standing still from cracks, breakaway and dent even under 20 meter sea but the same buoyancy intact. 

“Our eco-friendly aluminium buoy is recyclable and collectable at around 3,700 won ($2.89) if it must be disposed. If the existing buoys last up to 3 to 5 years depending on the type, the aluminium buoy lasts more than 10 years. Theoretically, its lifespan is about 100 years. It is made of aluminium alloy such as  AIMg3 and AA5000 and is strain-hardening plate and sheet type” explains Baek.

It is alarming that around 55 million styrofoam and plastic buoys are installed on the coastlines of South Korea. So Alubuoy rolled up sleeves to build a production quality stability system for 3 years and succeeded mass produce. The ocean farmers can receive government support by using Alubuoy but many farmers still do not know this. The Democratic Party lawmaker Jaekab Yoon also announced that the existing buoy must be altered by 100% by the end of 2024. 

“It is my wild ambition that our innovative eco-friendly aluminium buoy will not only be the best alternative in the nation but in the world” says Baek. <PowerKorea>