Climate Impact

Read also more about the strategic role of marine ingredients in our fact sheet here: Strategic Value.

The production of fishmeal and fish oil in Denmark is characterised by a low carbon footprint, particularly when compared to land-based protein and oil alternatives.  New life cycle data from 2024, based on a new primary LCA inventory in collaboration with IFFO confirms the low emissions profile of Danish marine ingredients and is being prepared for inclusion in the GFLI database. This dataset will improve the accuracy of environmental benchmarking in feed formulation and support climate-conscious decision-making across the feed and aquaculture sectors.

A key contributor to this favourable footprint is the use of by-products and trimmings from fish processing for human consumption. These side streams now account for over 25% of raw materials used in Danish fishmeal and fish oil production, reinforcing circular economy principles and reducing waste.

Beyond processing efficiency, marine ingredients also help reduce the footprint of aquaculture feed itself. While plant-based ingredients now dominate feed formulations, their production may involve land conversion, deforestation, and higher greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, marine ingredients deliver high-quality nutrition with minimal land use and a lower emissions burden, making them a vital component of climate-efficient feed strategies. The climate benefits of marine ingredients extend to the broader food system. Aquaculture is increasingly recognised as a low-impact source of animal protein, outperforming most terrestrial livestock systems in terms of emissions, land use, and freshwater consumption. According to the FAO and independent benchmarks such as the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index, aquaculture is a key sector for meeting global protein demand sustainably. In 2024, aquaculture companies were ranked among the top performers in climate, biodiversity, and supply chain management.

Fishmeal and fish oil are thus central to the blue value chain, linking low-impact fisheries to sustainable food production. Their responsible use supports global sustainability targets, including:

• SDG 2: Improved nutrition and food security

• SDG 8: Inclusive economic growth through fishing and processing industries

• SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

• SDG 14: Conservation and sustainable use of marine resources