In 2024, 89% of residual raw materials from the fisheries and aquaculture industries were utilised – a steady increase from previous years. An increasing share is now used for products intended for human consumption, and the total market value of residual raw materials is approaching NOK 8 billion.
Marine residual raw materials – heads, backbones, skin, liver and other parts not included in the main product – have developed into an important resource for the Norwegian seafood industry. SINTEF Ocean and Kontali Analyse have carried out annual surveys of residual raw material usage since 2013, funded by FHF.
“The work provides the industry, authorities and research communities with an ongoing overview of how the raw material is being utilised, and where untapped potential still exists,” says Lars Lovund, Head of Department at FHF.
Results for 2022–2024
The analysis shows a clear positive development:
- Total utilisation has increased from 87% in 2022 to 89% in 2024
- The whitefish sector has had the strongest progress – from 67% to 72% in the same period
- The aquaculture sector and pelagic sector continue to maintain high utilisation rates of around 90% and 100%, respectively
- Around 15% of residual raw materials are now used for products intended for human consumption, corresponding to around 70,000 tonnes annually
- The total first-hand value of the residual raw materials was estimated at NOK 4.8 billion in 2024, while the sales/export value was estimated at approximately NOK 7.8 billion
At the same time, the amount of unused residual raw material continues to decline. In particular, heads, backbones and skin are increasingly being collected and utilised in various products, while blood from farmed fish remains the final fraction with limited commercial use. Here, Biotech North member Lerøy, together with the 100% Fish initiative, is working actively and reports that it is now very close to the commercialisation of an iron ingredient produced from salmon blood.
Read the full report here: (only in norwegian)
Residual Raw Material Analyses 2023–2025: Availability and Use of Marine Residual Raw Materials from Norwegian Fisheries and Aquaculture
If you have a residual raw material you would like to develop further, please contact Biotech North: line@biotechnorth.no
