Iceland inspires - knowledge journey for the blue bioeconomy

Iceland's fishing industry has successfully created a sustainable use of products from the sea. Several companies are collectively using all the fish they catch by converting by-products into valuable products. In May, a delegation of West Swedish blue bioeconomy actors went to Reykjavik to learn more.

The delegation consisted of 11 people from Sweden representing authorities, municipalities, industry organizations, institutes and Innovatum Science Park. The purpose of the trip was to make contacts, conduct study visits and get inspiration to benefit Swedish companies.

Iceland Innovation Week

The trip coincided with Iceland Innovation Week, a trade fair and conference focusing on Nordic innovation. The event offered a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse range of blue bioeconomy actors for future collaborations.

The Iceland Ocean Cluster

Iceland is a leading player in the biomarine sector and The Iceland Ocean Cluster has played a central role since 2011. The initiative, led by visionaries such as Thor Sigfusson, aims to build bridges in the blue bioeconomy and create value and job opportunities in coastal areas. The Ocean Cluster House, established in 2012, serves as a platform for innovation and has become home to many prominent companies in the sector.

Innovative companies

During an open house at The Ocean Cluster House, the delegation had the opportunity to get to know some of Iceland's most innovative companies in the biomarine sector. There are over 70 companies linked to the blue bioeconomy within The Iceland Ocean Cluster and some of them are:

• Feldur, which specializes in fish skin products.
• Kerecis, pioneering tissue regeneration using fish skin for burn care.
• Eylif, which offers high-value products from marine resources, including food supplements and Chitocare, a collection of restorative and cosmetic products based on marine chitosan.

One hundred percent fish 

Iceland's fishing industry is making impressive progress in the efficient and sustainable use of fish. Several companies have actively worked to use 100% of the catch by converting fish processing residues into valuable products, such as fish skin bags, health supplements and beauty products. 

Blue food production 

The delegation made interesting study visits during the trip, including the following companies: 

• Marel, a leading supplier of process technology for the food industry with a focus on seafood. 
• Matis, a research institute specialized in food production, similar to RISE. Collaborations and research are carried out to promote innovation and development in the field. 
• Visir, a longline fishing and fish processing company, has a high-tech fish processing industry to utilize residual streams. 
• Codland, a new joint venture between several fishing companies, whose aim is to promote the new and innovative fishing industry focusing on new value chains of fish raw materials.  

Through this knowledge trip and exchange of experiences, Swedish actors in the blue bioeconomy have had a unique opportunity to be inspired by Iceland's successful biomarine sector and create valuable contacts for future cooperation. Together with Innovatum Science Park, it was discussed that an Icelandic delegation should visit West Sweden in the future. 

- We look forward to receiving the delegation from the Swedish Embassy in Iceland and others and to inspire with our examples, among other results from the Collaborative Platform for Biomedical Industries," says Maria Eléhn, Project Manager for Blue Bioeconomy at Innovatum Science Park.