It is another step forward in promoting sustainability in Portugal. The “Fish Matter, from head to tail” project, led by B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy, promises to transform the management of fish parts and other marine organisms that are usually discarded. This innovative project aims to create a smart platform for the valorization of blue bioeconomy co-products, using advanced matchmaking algorithms to connect co-product generators, processors, and valorization technologies.

“Fish Matter is a direct response to the waste of raw materials and the urgency of establishing innovative and sustainable circular economy processes,” explains Maria Coelho, coordinator of B2E CoLAB. “The project aims to have a significant impact on the Portuguese economy and society, reinforcing Portugal’s commitment to sustainability and positioning the country at the forefront of innovative marine resource recovery.”

The platform will be developed to help companies and other stakeholders identify new business opportunities and establish strategic partnerships. By connecting co-product generators, processing industries, technology providers, and scientific collaboration networks, Fish Matter – Intelligent Platform for the Valorization of Co-products from the Blue Bioeconomy will promote the creation of high-value products from underutilized resources such as heads, viscera, skins, and shells.

With the European Commission adopting an Action Plan for the Circular Economy, Fish Matter, whose slogan is “From head to tail,” could be a catalyst for sustainable innovation at the national level. “The platform being built by B2E CoLAB will be innovative, not least because of its use of advanced matchmaking algorithms, which will enable the intelligent connection of co-product generators, processors, and recovery technologies,” says Maria Coelho. “This approach will foster the creation of new products and markets, leveraging innovative approaches and promoting a true circular economy,” she adds.

The project’s objectives include deepening knowledge about co-products generated in the blue bioeconomy sector, identifying technologies for the use of these resources, and finding opportunities for recovery in new value chains in the biomedical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, chemical, and food segments.

The Fish Matter project, led by B2E CoLAB, is being developed in collaboration with CIIMAR, IPMA, ISEP, the University of Aveiro, and the University of Minho, under the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, a Mobilizing Agenda funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan.