Nylabone Turns Deadly Ocean Ghost Nets into Durable Dog Chew Toys

NEPTUNE CITY, NJ – April 14, 2026 – In a significant move that merges pet care with environmental stewardship, iconic chew toy brand Nylabone has launched its “Love Our Oceans Collection,” a new line of durable dog toys made with 30% reclaimed fishing nets. The initiative, announced ahead of Earth Day, gives a second life to over 100,000 pounds of ocean-bound nylon, transforming a lethal marine pollutant into a safe and engaging product for dogs.

This effort has already resulted in the production of more than 1.5 million chew toys, directly addressing the dual challenges of plastic pollution and promoting healthy chewing habits in dogs. By repurposing materials that would otherwise endanger marine ecosystems, the company is offering pet owners a tangible way to contribute to a cleaner planet.

Tackling the 'Ghost Gear' Crisis

The environmental problem Nylabone aims to address is substantial and severe. Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, often called “ghost gear,” is widely considered the most lethal form of plastic debris in our oceans. Each year, an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 metric tonnes of this gear enters marine environments. This material is tragically effective at what it was designed to do: trap and kill. It continues to “ghost fish” for decades, indiscriminately entangling and killing countless marine animals, including sharks, seals, sea turtles, and birds.

Research highlights the scale of the issue. A study of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch found that fishing nets alone account for approximately 46% of the total mass of plastic waste. This ghost gear not only harms wildlife but also damages critical habitats like coral reefs and poses a navigational hazard to boats. By intercepting over 100,000 pounds of this nylon before it can inflict further harm, Nylabone's initiative represents a direct intervention in this destructive cycle.

“With our headquarters located just a few miles from New Jersey’s beaches, helping to keep the ocean clean is a cause that hits close to home,” said Glen S. Axelrod, President and CEO of Nylabone Products. “This chew toy collection reflects our commitment to innovation by using materials that support sustainability while maintaining the durability and quality that dogs and pet parents expect.”

From Ocean Waste to Canine Delight

The transformation of hazardous waste into a desirable consumer product is a feat of material innovation. The process involves collecting the ocean-bound fishing nets, which are then rigorously cleaned, sorted, and processed into high-quality nylon pellets. These recycled pellets are then blended with virgin materials to create the final product, ensuring the toys meet the brand's stringent standards for safety and toughness.

The “Love Our Oceans Collection” is part of Nylabone’s Power Chew line, which is specifically designed for dogs with strong chewing instincts. The collection features five distinct products, each with unique textures and flavors to keep dogs engaged:

• Infinity Braid Bone: A braided, bully-stick-flavored toy designed as a mess-free alternative to natural sticks.
• Barbell: An easy-grip shape with textured ends to help clean teeth, infused with bacon flavor.
• Textured Fish: An ocean-themed, salmon-flavored toy with varied textures.
• Teddy Bear Bone: An easy-to-hold shape featuring beef jerky flavor.
• Frenzy Bone: A classic bone shape combining bacon and cheese flavor with ocean-inspired textures.

By ensuring the recycled-material toys uphold the durability the brand is known for, Nylabone addresses a key consumer concern. Pet owners can feel confident they are not sacrificing quality or safety for sustainability, a critical factor for the success of eco-friendly products in the competitive pet market.

A Rising Tide of Sustainability in the Pet Industry

Nylabone’s initiative is not an isolated gesture but part of a broader, long-term commitment to sustainability that reflects a growing trend within the pet industry. Consumers are increasingly demanding that brands demonstrate environmental and social responsibility, and companies are responding.

Nylabone’s efforts have earned it recognition as a 2024-2025 Top Performer by the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), an organization that accredits businesses for their commitment to responsible practices. This acknowledgment follows years of investment in greener operations. The company has been systematically overhauling its packaging, moving toward 100% recyclable paper materials and eliminating plastic blisters, a change projected to cut its annual plastic use by over 40 tons. Earlier packaging redesigns for its chew treats already save an estimated 37,000 pounds of paper annually.

These initiatives are part of the “Impact” strategy of Nylabone's parent company, Central Garden & Pet, which prioritizes protecting the planet and cultivating communities. By embedding sustainability into its core product development, Nylabone positions itself as a leader in a market where a green paw print is fast becoming a consumer expectation.

This commitment also extends to animal welfare. The company has a long history of supporting shelters and promoting responsible pet ownership, recognizing that durable chew toys play a crucial role in managing destructive chewing—one of the leading behavioral reasons dogs are relinquished to shelters. The new collection is available now at select retailers nationwide, allowing pet parents to support both their dog's well-being and the health of the world's oceans with a single purchase.