This year, Alnet turns sixty, and you can be sure that when you buy an Alnet product, it will last as long as they have. Alnet specialises in shade nets, agricultural nets, ground covers, storm nets, and more recently, biodegradable rope. During NAMPO 2025, as the days warmed up, visitors could stop by Alnet’s stand to experience firsthand how well the company’s nets work.

According to Ernst Oosthuisen, Agricultural Sales Manager of Alnet, the company is the oldest shade net manufacturer in South Africa, with over sixty years of knowledge for farmers to draw from.

“We are at the forefront of development. We started initially manufacturing fishing nets and later transitioned to shade nets. Today, we have a full range of shade nets that range from 95% shade to 20% shade,” Ernst explains.

Ernst Oosthuisen from Alnet at their NAMPO 2025 stand.

Extrablock decorative shade net

The Extrablock shade net range was developed especially for the export market and provides 95% shade. The nets are also fire-retardant according to American standards. They come in a wide variety of colours and meet the highest standards for durability.

Sunblock decorative shade net

Alnet’s Sunblock range offers between 85% and 80% shade and is mostly used for carports, patios, and other domestic projects. It is a lightweight shade net that works well outdoors and lasts a long time.

Agricultural nets

Alnet also manufatures various agricultural nets. The shade density of the nets ranges from 80% to 20% and is adapted to suit the different crops and applications they are used for.

For example, 80% agricultural shade nets are used for flowers and foliage, while the 20% shade nets are mainly used for large constructions and crops like citrus trees and orchards.

The 40% agricultural shade net comes in black, white, grey, and green, and even the colour of the net plays a role here.

“The grey net is simply a combination of the white and black nets mixed together. It’s ideal for vegetable farming and is used across the country. We also supply many of these nets to our neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Lesotho,” says Ernst.

Alnet’s ground covers

Alnet has something for everyone. They also manufacture ground covers for campers. These ground covers come in various sizes and are available in black, grey, and green.

For a ground cover that lasts, you can trust Alnet.

Storm nets

Alnet also supplies storm nets for campers. A storm net differs from a guy rope in that it stretches over the entire tent. This means the entire structure of the tent is held in place in the event of strong winds or heavy storms.

“If it’s well anchored on the sides, there’s no way your tent can be lifted and destroyed by the wind. They also come in different sizes according to the measurements of your tents and caravans,” Ernst explains.

Biodegradable rope

One of Alnet’s newest products, and one they are very proud of, is their biodegradable rope.

“We were privileged to be contacted by Catch Green to manufacture the biodegradable rope for them. We are the only manufacturers in the world, and the project is funded by the UK,” Ernst says proudly.

Alnet’s new biodegradable rope.

The polymer for these ropes is produced in Sweden and then shipped to Alnet’s factory, where the rope is manufactured. What makes this rope so unique is that it disintegrates over time.

“It can be used for deep-sea fishing, so it doesn’t remain in the ocean, where fish and marine life could become entangled in it. The net sinks to the bottom and disintegrates after a few years. It can also be used for seaweed farming. The seaweed seeds are planted into the ropes and grow in them. Later, the rope simply disintegrates.”

Ernst says the progress and growth Alnet has experienced over the past sixty years have placed them at the forefront of development. He is very excited to see what the future holds for Alnet.

Feel free to take a look at Alnet’s products on their website at www.alnet.co.za.