BioMar slashed the percentage of forage fish used last year
Algal oil was included in almost 1 million tonnes of aquafeed
An all-time low forage fish dependency ratio (FFDR) of 0.37 was reported today in the 2024 Sustainability Report published by feed producer BioMar. The FFDR indicates the amount of wild marine resources used to produce 1 kg of fish or shrimp, as calculated using the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) farm standards.
The company said the milestone was reached through the innovative use of alternative ingredients and trimmings, which now represent 55% of the total marine ingredients. However, the ever-changing market conditions for raw materials might make it challenging to sustain this position over time.
“We have had an impressive sustainability year, proving that being sustainable is not only the right thing to do but also makes good business sense,” said BioMar Group chief executive Carlos Diaz. “Our early investment in innovation and raw material development is paying off, and we will likely see an escalation in the production of alternative materials in the coming years.”
Microalgae in 70% of aquafeed
In 2024, BioMar’s innovation pipeline assessed a record number of alternative raw materials and almost 1 million tons of aquafeed containing microalgae were produced. This represents around 70% of BioMar’s total aquafeed volume.
“We have successfully embedded a sustainability mindset across the company, from R&D to commercial teams worldwide. Of course, we can do more, but we are very happy with our progress,” said Diaz.
BioMar said its commitment to reducing its total feed carbon footprint by one-third by 2030 is on track. The total feed carbon footprint has reduced by 14.4% from its 2020 baseline. This is a relative target that uses life cycle assessment to measure carbon emissions per tonne of feed produced. Regarding absolute emissions reduction, BioMar was the first aquafeed company to sign up for the SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) 1.5°C trajectory.
Emissions reductions
“We continue to deliver good results on our SBTi carbon reduction targets. This year we have achieved a 20.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 23.6% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from the baselines,” said BioMar’s global sustainability director Vidar Gundersen.
BioMar said its Enable People pillar has significantly improved in several internal and external social areas. New human rights policies were implemented in parental leave, health and safety, and supply chain compliance and the target for 2030 of 100% Living Wage reached 99.9% this year.
BioMar said it is now almost halfway towards achieving all its 2030 Sustainability Ambitions, demonstrating strong progress across its climate action, circular economy, and social impact targets.
“These results are the outcome of strong collaboration with our partners and a clear focus on delivering long-term value through responsible innovation,” concluded Diaz.
