Each year, the fishing industry discards 7 to 10 million tonnes of catch, with fishing gear making up nearly 50% of marine plastic pollution. To combat this, EcoeFISHent has developed six circular value chains, converting waste into high-value products that contribute to food, agriculture, cosmetics, energy, and manufacturing.
Using advanced Themis machines, fish byproducts are transformed into Eco-FISH-powder and gelatine, used in food supplements, biodegradable packaging, fertilizers, and skincare products. Additionally, black soldier fly bioconversion repurposes fish waste into fertilizers, biodiesel, and chitin for cosmetics, providing a cost-effective waste management solution for coastal communities.
Discarded fishing nets are also recycled into polymer-based car parts and sustainable packaging, aligning with European Green Deal targets to reduce plastic waste, which constitutes 70% of marine litter in the EU.
EcoeFISHent’s circular approach spans multiple industries:
To expand its impact, EcoeFISHent is developing a Cluster Digital Twin, enabling cities and regions to replicate its circular economy model. This approach helps reduce carbon emissions, enhance sustainability, and protect marine biodiversity—demonstrating that fishing waste can become a valuable resource rather than an environmental burden.
