Processing of fish waste into valuable substances

The project is a circular economy project promoting the green transition, where a new local circular economy value chain is developed for the processing of fish side streams. The project supports the bioeconomy sector of Kainuu’s smart specialization strategy, particularly in the field of biocircular economy, and is implemented alongside a parallel project run by the University of Oulu (Units of Measurement and Control Technology in Kajaani). Preparations for the project have been carried out in collaboration with fish industry businesses in Kainuu.
Fishery entrepreneurs are facing new challenges; fish side streams (filleting and gutting residues) risk becoming a cost burden for fish processing companies due to the decline of fur farming and tighter regulations concerning fish residue disposal. This poses a specific challenge for the Kainuu region, as most biogas plants and fur farms that accept fish residues are located outside of Kainuu.
This project responds to the challenge by developing a process chain that identifies new, innovative uses for fish residues, transforming them from a cost burden into value-added products. Fish residues are rich in valuable components such as fat (omega-3 fatty acids), protein, bioactive peptides, and enzymes — all with high commercial potential. The project promotes and pilots the adoption of novel technologies in the treatment of fish side streams, such as supercritical CO₂ extraction. After fat extraction, the remaining fish biomass will be tested as feed for black soldier fly larvae.
The project focuses on applications that are scalable to the small volume levels typical in Kainuu. As a result of the project, a report will be published from a technical and economic perspective.