Marine Bioproducts’ subsidiary Biomega specializes in the processing of salmonids based on a patented enzymatic hydrolysis process followed by separation steps that result in high-quality protein, lipid, and bone-derived products – all preserving the bountiful benefits offered by fish. Biomega’s close relationship with Novozymes took root back in 1998 when Harald Hagen, CEO and Sales Manager, Marine Bioproducts, and Bent Piil Pedersen, Customer Solutions, Novozymes, first discussed how Novozymes’ enzymes could help bring Harald Hagen’s concept to life.

Fresh thinking for fish coproducts
Harald Hagen was working at a fish silage company when he first contemplated a cleaner and greener way to create higher-value products from fish coproducts. Fish silage is a liquid product made from whole fish or fish parts that are liquefied through the action of naturally occurring enzymes within the fish in the presence of added acid. The enzymes break down the fish proteins into smaller soluble units, and the acid speeds up their activity while preventing bacterial spoilage. Harald Hagen’s idea – to convert the fish coproducts into high-quality oil and protein-derived products using enzymes as natural processing aids – was a far more sustainable option, but it was not applauded by the owners of the silage company.

Harald Hagen then shared his concept with Kjartan Sandnes, now Research & Development Manager at Marine Bioproducts, and Karstein Pedersen, now CFO and Chairman of the Board of Marine Bioproducts. Their hard work and determination, combined with Bent Piil Pedersen’s know-how and Novozymes’ enzymes, saw the development of exciting new fish products – and the establishment of Marine Bioproducts as a stand-alone company in 2000.

Friendly fish processing
According to the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization (IFFO), 90 million tons of fish are caught per annum by fisheries throughout the world, with 33% used as food, 33% as fishmeal, and the remainder classified as coproducts. In salmon processing, up to 50% of the weight of the complete catch ends up as coproducts; heads, backbones, skin, trimmings, and viscera. With the demand for salmon continuing to grow, so too are the quantities of resulting coproducts. So Marine Bioproducts’ innovative alternative to fish silage not only means the development of a higher-value product, but also a new way to improve the sustainability of marine resources by maximizing the use of every fish caught.

“What is truly interesting about the way we process salmon coproducts is that there is absolutely no waste,” explains Kjartan Sandnes. “We produce a protein-rich hydrolysate, a fresh, highquality salmon oil, and all the remaining material is dried to make salmon meal that is used for pet food. Using enzyme solutions from Novozymes is what has helped us to process salmon in this new and extremely efficient way.”

"Using enzyme solutions from Novozymes is what has helped us to process salmon in this new and extremely efficient way.”

- Kjartan Sandnes, Research & Development Manager, Marine Bioproducts

Excellence through enzymes
The advantages of using enzymes in the production of salmon protein are significant – particularly when compared to traditional silage methods. “Enzymes such as Novozymes Protamex® or Novozymes Alcalase® offer a safer, cleaner, and more robust process,” says Bent Piil Pedersen. “They’re much easier to control and can operate under mild conditions. With enzymes, there’s no risk of equipment corrosion.”

The superior quality of Marine Bioproducts’ offerings is undisputable. The hydrolysate is high in protein, well balanced, rich in marine amino acids, and low in fat and other unwanted products, making it a useful tool for upgrading proteins. The salmon oil is of premium quality and made from entirely natural, fresh raw materials. It is rich and rosy in color, an important characteristic of virgin salmon oil. The salmon meal can be upgraded using added hydrolysate to make a premium pet food. “Our products are unique, all being of food-grade standard,” says Kjartan Sandnes. “Using enzymes really elevates the quality of our products and makes them stand out.”

Forging a future with fish
The high-quality products derived from the salmon coproducts are impressive, and Marine Bioproducts believes there is even more potential yet to be released. “Our collaboration with Novozymes has always been excellent. Bent Piil Pedersen is always there to answer our every question,” says Kjartan Sandnes. “We’re looking forward to innovating even further!” With a research and development plant currently open in Chile, Marine Bioproducts hopes to develop new ways to use its protein to fortify other foods.

Clinical studies in both Norway and the US are currently investigating the impact of fish protein on lipid metabolism in humans, the results of which could potentially open up some interesting new markets for the company. “There is untapped potential in Vietnam, an interesting location for us,” says Kjartan Sandnes. “Pangasius, or catfish, is extensively farmed in the Mekong delta, resulting in 1 million tons of by-product.

There is no other place in the world with so much raw material in a concentrated location, so we’re currently studying the chemical composition of this fish. Finding a new use for these coproducts would greatly enhance the sustainability of the Vietnamese fishing industry through maximizing the use of the catch.”

Novozymes has already had some success in selling enzymes for fish processing in Asia. “Enzymes such as Alcalase have helped increase both the sustainability and profitability of the fish industry in my region,” says Helen Hu Ying, Regional Marketing Manager at Novozymes. “It’s all about rethinking the way fish is processed to increase efficiency and convert the coproducts into valuable fish proteins.”

Marine Bioproducts may still be a small company, but the news of its originality and unique products is beginning to spread. “We were one of three companies nominated for an ‘Innovation Norge’ award,” says Ola Flesland, CEO of Biomega. “To be recognized as an innovator and a leading player in our field was a great achievement for us.” With its continued focus on unleashing the potential of by-products and embracing healthy business and a healthy planet, the company seems certain to catch exciting new markets.

The Novozymes’ team enjoys the beautiful scenery at the Biomega processing plant in Skogsvåg, Norway.