B2E – Collaborative Laboratory for the Blue Bioeconomy leads bilateral cooperation project with Norway and Iceland

Using fish heads, guts, or bones, which usually go to waste, and transforming them into collagen, or creating fish oil rich in omega-3. These are just two of the many opportunities that serve as examples for the “Roadmap4MarineCoproducts – Towards the Future in the Valorization of Marine Resources” project, led by B2E – Collaborative Laboratory for the Blue Bioeconomy.

It is estimated that more than 10 million tons of unconsumed, but high-quality, fish waste is wasted worldwide. However, this waste, such as heads, bones, skin, or guts, represents a potential source of added value for the industry, competitiveness, and more environmentally responsible production.

The Roadmap4MarineCoproducts project aims to learn from the examples of Norway and Iceland, leaders in this area, to maximize the value of each fish by transforming fish waste into useful products with added value.

“Based on this bilateral cooperation, we will identify the best business ideas and practices in the circular economy. By collaborating with international experts and leveraging lessons learned in Norway and Iceland, we can boost the emergence of new businesses and promote economic sustainability in Portugal as well,” argues Maria Coelho, executive coordinator of B2E CoLAB.

By using the unused parts of fish, algae, shellfish, and other marine organisms—known as co-products—new products are created that are used in various sectors, from the food industry to the pharmaceutical industry. In Iceland, for example, fish skin, heads, and bones are transformed into products such as skin extracts to treat burns and wounds, collagen, omega-3-rich fish oil, or protein-rich fish meal. The ultimate goal is to achieve zero waste from fish, while creating value for the economy and society.

According to Maria Coelho, the project “aims to drive innovation and promote sustainable growth in the sector in Portugal, transforming fish by-products into business opportunities that benefit the circular economy and, consequently, the environment.” In this way, adds the executive coordinator of B2E CoLAB, “Portuguese companies will have the opportunity to diversify their businesses, create innovative products, and establish strategic partnerships both nationally and internationally.”

The Roadmap4MarineCoproducts project is led by B2E – Collaborative Laboratory for the Blue Bioeconomy and funded by EEA Grants. The initiative brings together strategic partners and their knowledge through cross-border collaboration, such as the Norwegian Seafood Innovation Cluster (NCE Seafood Innovation) and the Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC), and their networks of associates, namely companies and innovation ecosystems, totaling almost 200 entities.

At this stage, the project aims to survey existing innovative technologies and sustainable practices, map the different value chains of the industry in Portugal, identify the types of co-products generated, and explore the possibilities for their use in various areas, such as food, the textile industry, carpentry, and other industries, as well as networking actions between Portugal, Norway, and Iceland. The ultimate goal is to develop a Portuguese roadmap to guide the sector in implementing circular economy models and maximizing the potential of marine co-products.

About EEA Grants:

Through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are partners in the internal market with the Member States of the European Union. As a way of promoting a continuous and balanced strengthening of economic and trade relations, the parties to the EEA Agreement have established a multi-annual Financial Mechanism, known as EEA Grants.

The EEA Grants aim to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthen bilateral relations between these three countries and the beneficiary countries.

For the period 2014-2021, a total contribution of €2.8 billion has been agreed for 15 beneficiary countries. Portugal will benefit from €102.7 million.