Finnish foodtech company, Hailia, isn’t just revolutionizing the seafood industry – they’re fighting food waste and creating sustainable practices. Their innovative system upcycles fishing industry side streams into mainstream seafood products, using all edible parts of the fish and avoiding unnecessary waste. It’s a game-changer for fish processors, adding value to raw materials and addressing the significant issue of food waste in the seafood industry.
“Food waste is a significant issue in the seafood industry,” says Michaela Lindström, Managing Director of Hailia, in an interview with FoodNavigator.
Up to 70% of the catch weight of fish, depending on species, goes to waste as side streams. This not only leads to economic losses but also has environmental implications, impacting marine ecosystems and sustainability efforts.
So, what exactly are food industry side streams?
In the seafood industry, side streams are mainly fish heads, guts, frames, and processing water. These are often sold to produce low-value products, such as animal feed.
Hailia is extracting more from each fish carcass, including parts that were once cast aside as waste, and turning them into a product that resembles a cooked fillet of fish. The finished seafood is prepared with an appetising consistency and flavour, full of nutrients that would otherwise have been lost.
“Our novel process allows us to achieve a texture and mouthfeel reminiscent of a cooked fillet of fish, without fishbones or other particles disturbing the mouthfeel,” explains Lindström.
Otto Kaukonen, CTO of Hailia, adds, “the structure of the product allows for further processing and integration into a range of recipes, from soups to sandwich fillings, pastas, and sauces.”
Hailia is also looking to widen the use of this production method to include the currently underutilised smaller pelagic fish.
“We see untapped potential within small pelagic and also seafood by-products and side streams,” says Lindström. “We’re focusing on how to effectively utilise seafood by-products and side streams for human consumption. This approach aligns with sustainability goals and enhances the overall efficiency of the seafood industry.”
It’s clear that Hailia’s approach is not only innovative but also aligned with sustainability goals, enhancing the overall efficiency of the seafood industry. Learn more about their inspiring work here.
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