Omaha, US, headquartered fishmeal and fish oil giant Scoular has introduced a new marine sustainability programme aimed at helping the aquaculture feed sector to improve traceability and transparency.
Through its fishmeal brand Encompass, Scoular’s programme incentivises fishmeal producers to implement long-term sustainability practices that exceed standard certification requirements and meet growing consumer demand for high-quality ingredients.
The goal is to collaborate with each customer to explore, define and customise their sustainability needs.
“Because of Scoular’s deep expertise and network, we are well-positioned to lead the way for our industry by partnering with others to maintain resilient ecosystems that produce safe and nutritious feed and food ingredients,” Scoular’s Global Marine Manager, Steve Dahlblom, said.
Its new sustainability programme includes creating end-to-end traceability and transparency for all of Scoular’s marine ingredients, from catching the fish to processing it into fishmeal and fish oil to transporting it to customers. It will provide customers with data on everything from a fishery’s gear to a processor’s facility and safe labour conditions.
The programme also offers a seven-level classification system that uses this data to rate fishmeal producers and the supply chain. It will track and support producers with the intention to bring their products to the highest valued market, as well as introducing fisheries and customers to new products, services, technologies and other investments that reduce waste and drive efficiency.
Scoular is currently investing with processing partners in Warrenton, Oregon, to upcycle marine by-products and trimmings into fishmeal and fish oil.
By 2023, the goal is that 80% of Scoular’s producers are programme compliant and by 2025, 75% of the marine products sold will meet Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) standards.
Generating annual sales of US$6 billion, Scoular sources ingredients from more than 30 countries for its pet food and aquafeed customers. The company also holds Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and MarinTrust Chain of Custody certifications to ensure end-to-end traceability.
