Over the past 18 months, IMPRESS has made significant strides in advancing its mission of promoting sectoral sustainability and blue growth. The project has focused on developing innovative solutions using low-trophic species and waste streams, creating value-added products, and fostering eco-friendly practices. Key achievements include conducting extensive research, engaging stakeholders across the value chain, and piloting novel technologies. IMPRESS has also established a robust digital presence through social media, blogs, interactive videos, and the launch of its podcast series. These efforts underline our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the blue economy.
Consumer Perception Survey
IMPRESS partner, MIR-PIB, explored consumer motivations for fish consumption and willingness to try alternatives using farmed fish, low-trophic species, or plant-based ingredients. Health, taste, and dietary variety were the main factors driving fish consumption, with consumers valuing its protein, omega-3, and vitamins for overall health. A key takeaway is that 48% of respondents expressed openness to plant-based substitutes, as well as many stated that they lacked knowledge about their nutritional benefits and availability. This highlights an opportunity for innovative producers to develop sustainable, health-conscious alternatives that reduce pressure on marine resources and cater to environmentally aware consumers.
Collaborative Workshops for Professionals
Three co-creation workshops held in Poland, Spain, and Ireland focused on discussing the sustainable use of underutilised species and side streams. These sessions explored:
- Innovative approaches, such as using advanced technologies like 3D printing for food production.
- Challenges and potential solutions for aligning technological capabilities with market demands.
Low-Trophic Species Mapping
CLUSAGA prepared a report mapping current products and stakeholders related to Low-Trophic Species (LTS), showcasing their economic and environmental potential in sectors such as food, supplements, and animal feed. The report underscores sustainability, market opportunities, and the need for collaboration, while also addressing challenges like scalability and regulation. These insights serve as a strategic basis for advancing IMPRESS’ goals and initiatives.
Capitalisation Report on Ongoing and Past Horizon Europe Activities, Competitor Landscape, and Market Scenario
CLUSAGA prepared a report that outlines IMPRESS’ focus on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture using LTS and waste streams. It emphasises participatory approaches to sustainability, promoting diverse LTS-based products, reducing environmental impact through zero-waste value chains and innovative processing, and enhancing blue economy skills via training. It aims to leverage past EU projects, strengthen collaboration, develop value chains, and design market strategies for these innovations.
Innovative Processes and Novel Ingredients for Fisheries and Aquaculture Waste Reduction and Sustainability
A report was developed detailing solid and liquid waste streams, processing technologies, and parameters for recovering chitin, chitosan, lipids, and proteins. Key waste streams include crustacean shells (for chitin and chitosan), fish filleting by-products (heads, frames, and viscera for proteins and lipids), and wastewater from fish and shellfish processing. Techniques such as ultrasonication, high-pressure, enzymatic treatments, thermo-chemical precipitation, ultrafiltration, and green solvent extraction are utilised. Promising experimental results show efficient compound recovery and energy reduction, with targeted compounds characterised for tailored applications. It serves as a stepping stone for scaling up processes to evaluate industrial feasibility, contributing to a more sustainable seafood industry. This was complemented by two publications developed by our partner NEOALGAE – Find out more here and here.
New Packaging Alternatives
Trinity College Dublin, with the support of IMPRESS partners, created polymer blends using biodegradable materials like polylactic acid and other biobased polymers, combined with natural additives to improve their properties for packaging. They also added natural antifungal agents, such as nystatin, laminarin, and fucoidan, to make the materials more durable and functional. Tests showed the materials worked well for food trays, with good mechanical properties and promising thermal stability, although some adjustments reduced heat resistance. These efforts serve as a first step in developing eco-friendly, practical packaging solutions.
Mapping and Quantification of the Fish Waste
CLUSAGA took the lead in developing mapping and quantification of the fish waste from processing, retail, and the HORECA sector, by circulating two questionnaires, one for micro-level stakeholders (e.g., businesses, fishers, restaurants) and another for meso-level structures (e.g., industry associations). The analysis revealed fish waste and wastewater as the most common outputs, with limited revalorisation due to barriers like high costs and low processing capacity. The study examined by-product management and valorisation potential, supporting value chain development. Findings are being used to create material flow analyses for better understanding and communication of by-product flows.
Branding and Outreach
IMPRESS successfully established a strong brand identity both physically and digitally. The project launched dynamic social media campaigns, regularly published engaging blog posts, and created two interactive quiz videos to foster audience participation. Consortium members were present at six events across the EU.
Additionally, IMPRESS began developing its podcast series, with the inaugural episode set for release soon. These efforts highlight IMPRESS’s commitment to connecting with its audience and promoting its mission through diverse and innovative platforms.
Reached more than 10.600 stakeholders, secured 6.000 website visits and ~4.000 social media interactions from more than 800 followers across our social media channels, more than 100 subscribers to our newsletter, appeared in 7 media publications, formed 5 synergies, participated in Horizon Booster, published 3 newsletters, distributed more than 200 promotional materials, and developed 2 interactive quiz videos!
From all of us at IMPRESS, thank you for making it an impressive journey!
