NUAS Technology extracts oil and protein from residual raw material from fish

The fishing industry generates a huge amount of fish residuals that go unused. In 2019, Norway alone generated some 964 000 metric tons of residual raw materials from seafood. Although Norway utilised over 84 per cent of these materials, only 15 per cent went to human consumption.

Globally, 35 per cent of the fish harvest is either lost or wasted. Some of this waste is dumped back into the ocean, potentially causing environmental damage to marine ecosystems. Some is disposed of in municipal waste systems, putting pressure on landfills.

Moreover, when fish producers underutilise these residuals, they lose out on potential revenue and incur costs for waste transport and storage.

NUAS Technology has developed an environment-friendly method of utilising the entire fish, resulting in less waste of marine resources and higher revenues for fish producers.

Using hydrolysis technology, protein, oil and bone are extracted from whole, unsaleable fish and fish residuals. These ingredients can then be sold and turned into products such as animal feed, human food and nutritional supplements.

The technology focuses on freshness. Fish residuals are gently stirred without mechanical parts. The process reduces oxidation that can accelerate deterioration of the ingredients and does not use acids that can diminish purity of the products.

The plant also satisfies requirements for producing products for human consumption.

Moreover, because the plant is mounted in containers, it is moveable and can be installed at processing plants.

NUAS Technology’s space-efficient system has a production capacity of 2 metric tons per hour in an area of less than 100 m², while a traditional hydrolysis plant may be five times this size.

The technology is scalable for use by large and small companies and different types of seafood processing plants.

The compact, module-based design allows fish producers to process residual raw materials on site, saving on transport costs and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. On-site processing also preserves the freshness of the ingredients.

Worldwide food demand is expected to increase by 59 to 98 per cent by 2050, and fish producers can help to meet this demand by utilising residual raw materials.

Moreover, demand for fish products is growing rapidly. The global fish products market was estimated at nearly 178 million metric tons in 2018 and is projected to surpass 228 million metric tons by 2027.

NUAS Technology will be completing and testing a pilot plant in autumn 2020, and expects to have the system ready for the market in early 2021.