Sebol, a subsidiary of the ETSA Group, unveils plans for a state-of-the-art industrial facility in Coruche, Portugal, marking a significant leap forward in sustainability and innovation in the aquaculture sector. Driven by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and aligned with the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, the facility is a key component of the Pep4Fish project, focusing on the large-scale production of revolutionary protein hydrolysates designed for fish feed.

The construction of Sebol’s new industrial facility, a venture of the ETSA Group – Empresa de Transformação de Subprodutos Animais, is at an advanced stage in Coruche, heralding a crucial advance in sustainability and innovation for aquaculture. Driven by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and integrated into the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, this project is an integral part of the Pep4Fish initiative, with a primary focus on the large-scale production of innovative products—protein hydrolysates specifically designed for fish feed.

André Almeida, director of the ETSA Group’s Research Department, expresses optimism about the value generated by this new production unit, stating: “Sebol is very optimistic about the importance of this new production unit, which represents the first hydrolyzed protein produced nationally with a focus on fish feed at an industrial level. This marks a significant step that will contribute to efficient and sustainable fish farming.”

In simple terms, protein hydrolysates are superfoods developed from animal by-products, optimizing nutrient absorption by fish. In line with the principles of the circular economy, this process involves the use of by-products from fish, poultry, pigs, and even insects, guided by the various stages of research in the Pep4Fish project. Ultimately, these high value-added hydrolysates will be incorporated into feed for sea bass and sea bream, enhancing fish health, contributing to human nutrition, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainability in aquaculture.

The new industrial unit, covering around 9,000 square meters and representing an investment of €15.4 million, of which around €4.6 million is financed by the Blue Bioeconomy Pact, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024. It is expected to create 15 new jobs, serving as a catalyst for sustainability and innovation, contributing significantly to the agri-food sector in Portugal, according to André Almeida.

Led by the ETSA Group, the Pep4Fish project involves the collaboration of nine partners, including research centers and companies: AgroGrIN Tech, B2E – Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB (B2E CoLAB), CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research, ITS – By-product Processing Industry (ETSA), Seaculture (Jerónimo Martins), Savinor and Sorgal (Soja Portugal), Sebol (ETSA), and the Portuguese Catholic University.