During 2024, our raw material procurement department in the Western Mediterranean region undertook an exhaustive search for soybean suppliers that complied with European regulations and Biomar's internal procurement policy. This includes meeting the EUDR and other sustainability requirements of our 2030 agenda.
This search involved challenges in our production process with months of adjustments and internal tests, adapting our formulation system and production lines to work with new soybean raw materials and improving the quality of our product without compromising our sustainability variables.
Development of Relationships with More Sustainable European Suppliers
In the first quarter of 2025, we have made significant progress with European suppliers who guarantee a specialized manufacturing process to obtain soybean oil of superior quality. Their production methods stand out for preserving the purity and nutritional values of soybeans in the final product, significantly differentiating themselves from the rest.
These advances not only contribute to improving the nutritional values of our final product, but also, due to the proximity of our factories, allow us to reduce carbon emissions and deforestation risks, thus advancing in compliance with our 2030 sustainability agenda and eliminating the need for additional certifications.
It is important to highlight that these changes and adaptations in our system help incentivize the value chain for both direct and indirect suppliers as well as our customers, influencing them and allowing us to build more sustainable value chains committed to future change.
Soy is a key raw material in the entire aquaculture feed manufacturing process, as it provides not only essential protein for the growth and repair of fish tissues but also vegetable fat that supplies the necessary energy to absorb vitamins.
The correct selection of quality raw materials is essential to guarantee a final product that allows the absorption of the necessary nutrients for the healthy and efficient growth of fish.
Our objective is to provide products that accompany our customers' business objectives while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices in the aquaculture industry.
Results (28)
“Sustainability is both the challenge and opportunity of our time. It’s easy for me to commit to—it just comes naturally. The sustainable approach is for everyone, you just need to change your mindset, “ says Lauris Apsis.
In the past, trimmings, viscera, and heads from fisheries were often discarded as waste. However, these side-stream products, are recognized as valuable resources that can contribute to sustainable aquaculture. While the utilization of pelagic fish side-stream products is well-established, side-stream products from whitefish remain underutilized.
Poultry meal is emerging as a valuable ingredient in aquafeed formulations, offering a circular protein and mineral source that supports the growth and development of farmed fish. Rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, poultry meal is highly palatable and plays a crucial role in maintaining fish health and productivity.
The global aquafeed industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades, shifting from marine-based ingredients to plant-based raw materials. This transition has linked aquafeed production more closely with the environmental and social impacts of agriculture. Sustainable raw material sourcing is critical, given that aquafeed production accounts for up to 80% of the scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in salmon farming.
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are a crucial freshwater aquaculture species in China, facing challenges like high water temperatures that cause significant economic losses. One promising solution is using functional feeds with natural antioxidants.
Fish oil is a crucial ingredient in aquafeed formulations, valued for its unique nutritional composition, particularly its high levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These fatty acids are vital for the optimal growth, development, and overall well-being of farmed fish. Fish oil not only enhances feed conversion efficiency but also plays a significant role in supporting immune function, reproductive health, and the development of larvae and eggs in broodstock.
Iron (Fe) is a crucial trace mineral involved in various biochemical processes in fish. For Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.), the dietary iron requirement ranges from 60 to 160 mg/kg. However, these requirements were established using purified diets with highly bioavailable iron forms, and may not reflect the needs in practical diets where interactions with antinutrients such as phytate can affect iron bioavailability.
The skin and mucous membranes are the only things that separate the inside of the fish from their surroundings.
Sourcing raw materials for aquaculture has a significant impact on the environment, particularly when it comes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The extraction, processing, and transportation of these materials contribute substantially to emissions. However, better sourcing practices can help reduce these emissions, and a climate-friendly approach is key to ensuring sustainable aquaculture production.
Through innovation, many leftovers from human food production can be turned into new valuable resources.
BioMar seeks to decouple feed supply chains from directly competing with food for human consumption.
Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have been responsible for over 2,000 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions.