The Problems
Aquaculture Meat Production
Aquaculture is playing an increasingly vital role in sustainable meat production, directly aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2022, global aquaculture output reached 130.9 million tonnes, officially surpassing wild fisheries and accounting for over 51% of aquatic animal production. This growth advances SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting sustainable use of marine resources and supports global food security efforts under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
The FAO’s Blue Transformation initiative targets a 35% increase in aquaculture production by 2030, aiming to meet rising global demand for lean, sustainable protein while minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, sustainable aquaculture practices — including integrated multitrophic systems — contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional livestock farming.
As both a food system and environmental solution, aquaculture is positioned as a key driver in the transition toward a more resilient, climate-smart, and circular protein economy.
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Aquaculture Waste Upcycling
Every year, the global seafood industry leaves behind a massive trail of shell waste — mountains of shrimp, crab, and lobster remains that rarely see a second use. These discarded shells aren’t just bulky waste; they are rich in natural compounds like chitin, proteins, and minerals, making them a valuable but untapped biological resource. Yet despite their potential, most of this crustacean shell waste ends up in landfills, poorly managed or is dumped directly into the environment.
Over 7 million tonnes of shellfish byproducts are discarded globally each year — and the number is growing. As aquaculture continues to expand to meet rising global demand for sustainable protein, so too does the volume of unprocessed shell waste. Across the industry, there remains a critical gap: no effective infrastructure or economic incentives currently exist to recover and repurpose this high-potential material at scale.
The scientific consensus is clear. Crustacean shells represent one of the most overlooked yet promising organic waste streams in the global food system. This is more than a missed opportunity — it’s an environmental liability we can no longer afford to ignore.
A Future With Green Plastics
Global plastic production has reached critical levels, with 435 million tonnes produced in 2020 alone. If current trends continue, production is projected to increase by 70% by 2040, reaching an estimated 736 million tonnes. Alarmingly, only 6% of plastics are expected to be recycled by that time, contributing to a sharp rise in mismanaged plastic waste, ocean pollution, and long-term environmental degradation.
In response to this crisis, the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), taking effect in February 2025, will require that by 2030, all packaging placed on the EU market be recyclable in an economically viable way — a major policy shift aimed at accelerating the transition toward a circular packaging economy.
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