Sourcing raw materials for aquaculture has a significant impact on the environment, particularly when it comes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The extraction, processing, and transportation of these materials contribute substantially to emissions. However, better sourcing practices can help reduce these emissions, and a climate-friendly approach is key to ensuring sustainable aquaculture production.
The environmental footprint of raw material sourcing is primarily driven by emissions at the extraction, processing, and transportation stages. The processing phase, in particular, is where companies like BioMar focus their efforts to reduce GHG emissions. It’s essential to consider the entire sourcing process to identify areas where energy efficiency and sustainable practices can make the most significant difference.
One approach gaining traction is circularity. This concept focuses on utilizing secondary raw materials, such as by-products from land animals or fish processing, that do not compete directly with human food production. Examples include bloodmeal, feather meal, and fish oil derived from the cutting industry. By incorporating circular feed ingredients, the environmental impact of the final product can be reduced. Materials derived from processes that restore or enhance ecosystems are increasingly recognized for their potential in reducing emissions. These regenerative materials help close the loop in resource use by recovering valuable nutrients from waste, minimizing the need for resource-intensive raw material extraction. Beyond emissions reduction, regenerative practices also promote ecological restoration, enhance biodiversity, and support the resilience of natural systems.
Complete traceability and transparency are fundamental to driving change toward more sustainable sourcing practices. While formulating high-quality fish feed is complex, creating sustainable fish diets presents even more challenges. The task of balancing cost, environmental impact, and nutritional value without compromising feed quality is a delicate one. At BioMar, sustainability and quality are at the forefront of our sourcing strategy. To ensure the integrity of our feed, we follow a rigorous approval process for new suppliers and raw materials. All suppliers are evaluated annually, and the required documentation is continuously updated.
Our raw materials are sourced exclusively from approved suppliers, and we maintain full traceability to ensure that sustainability, quality, and food safety standards are consistently met.
Local sourcing of raw materials often seems like a more sustainable choice. However, the emission impact of locally sourced ingredients depends on a variety of factors such as source, geographic location, transportation, processing, and land use. Simply considering geographic proximity without accounting for the full environmental footprint can lead to misguided conclusions. Transportation does indeed affect the energy use and CO2 emissions of ingredients. Factors such as efficient large-scale production processes, stack transport, and sustainable fishing methods can significantly alter the environmental impact, making it more complex than just focusing on the location of sourcing.
When creating aquaculture feed, several parameters must be taken into account: performance, cost, nutrition, and sustainability. Sourcing responsible ingredients that support performance, digestion, efficiency, and health is critical. The inclusion rate and nutritional profile of these ingredients are important factors to consider. For example, reducing protein content may lower the carbon footprint, but it could also lead to performance losses and reduced feed efficiency.
Feed accounts for up to 80% of the carbon footprint in fish farming. Therefore, making feed more sustainable has a significant impact on the overall environmental footprint of the industry. In addition to sourcing sustainable feed ingredients, the use of renewable energy sources at production sites and during transportation can further reduce the carbon footprint.
The demand for sustainable products in the aquaculture industry is growing. By responding to this demand, it's not only essential to focus on sourcing sustainable feed ingredients but also on improving the energy efficiency of production processes, adopting a life cycle thinking approach embracing transparency and cooperation frameworks to drive sustainable practices across the supply chain. A climate-friendly approach to raw material sourcing is a critical step towards reducing emissions and achieving a more sustainable aquaculture industry.
Do you want BioMar to use your raw material in our feeds? Are you currently bringing a new feed ingredient to market? Submit it for review in our innovation pipeline.
Results (12)
“Sustainability is both the challenge and opportunity of our time. It’s easy for me to commit to—it just comes naturally. The sustainable approach is for everyone, you just need to change your mindset, “ says Lauris Apsis.
Poultry meal is emerging as a valuable ingredient in aquafeed formulations, offering a circular protein and mineral source that supports the growth and development of farmed fish. Rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, poultry meal is highly palatable and plays a crucial role in maintaining fish health and productivity.
Fish oil is a crucial ingredient in aquafeed formulations, valued for its unique nutritional composition, particularly its high levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These fatty acids are vital for the optimal growth, development, and overall well-being of farmed fish. Fish oil not only enhances feed conversion efficiency but also plays a significant role in supporting immune function, reproductive health, and the development of larvae and eggs in broodstock.
In the past, trimmings, viscera, and heads from fisheries were often discarded as waste. However, these side-stream products, are recognized as valuable resources that can contribute to sustainable aquaculture. While the utilization of pelagic fish side-stream products is well-established, side-stream products from whitefish remain underutilized.
The global aquafeed industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades, shifting from marine-based ingredients to plant-based raw materials. This transition has linked aquafeed production more closely with the environmental and social impacts of agriculture. Sustainable raw material sourcing is critical, given that aquafeed production accounts for up to 80% of the scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in salmon farming.
Early results from the “Alga4Fuel&Aqua” research project, in which BioMar Hellenic is participating, indicate that a mix of the microalgae species
The scientific community has stressed the urgency of limiting warming to 1.5°C because the health of oceans, ecosystems, and humans depends on it.
Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have been responsible for over 2,000 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions.
BioMar seeks to decouple feed supply chains from directly competing with food for human consumption.
In the last 20 years, BioMar has reduced the inclusion of marine ingredients in aquafeeds by more than 60%.
Circular restorative materials are derived from waste or by-products, as defined by the EU waste framework directive.
Through innovation, many leftovers from human food production can be turned into new valuable resources.