According to a recent study by the research organization SINTEF, the aquaculture industry has a residual raw material utilization rate of approximately 94%. However, there is still one part that remains unexploited – the blood. For over two decades, the industry has been trying to find a way to utilize this waste product.
Mats Trones, head of Lerøy’s new 100% Fish department, is proud of his team’s development of SalmoFer, a unique product derived from salmon blood. This product is the world’s first iron ingredient from marine raw materials. Trones emphasized that SalmoFer is the only commercially available iron ingredient from marine sources.
SalmoFer utilizes the protein haemoglobin in salmon blood, which is rich in heme iron. Trones highlighted the efficiency of heme iron absorption by the body compared to non-heme iron. This efficient absorption reduces the likelihood of side effects like upset stomach, constipation, and stomach pain commonly associated with iron supplements. Moreover, heme iron absorption is not affected by the consumption of coffee, tea, wine or dairy products.
Trones emphasized Lerøy’s commitment to innovation and sustainability through its development, commercialization and sale of products made from its own raw materials to new market segments. He mentioned ongoing projects within his department including collaborations with research and development communities biotech ventures and startups to bring more innovative products to market and maximize the value of their raw materials. Trones hinted at several exciting projects being worked on both internally at Lerøy and with external partners while maintaining secrecy about specific details.