EcoeFISHent Background Knowledge

Background Knowledge

The background knowledge is the collection and organization of training material related to the main EcoeFISHent topics, useful for enhancing the mutual knowledge and the cooperation within the partnership and to better facilitate the transfer of project results for the target audience.

Topic 1 - Regulatory Framework

Topic 1 illustrates the regulatory framework of the fishery side streams uses in cosmetic and nutraceutical sectors giving a focus on the principles of law and hygiene.

Leader: MICAMO, Angel Consulting

Training Units:

Aims to describe the side streams flow generation in the food industry, and the possible exploitation for the production of food supplements and cosmetic products, as an economic opportunity in the optic of circular economy, reducing environmental stress from the unnecessary generation of waste from food and animal by-products.

 


1.1.1) Using sidestreams in cosmetic – ANG

1.1.2) Using sidestreams in food – WIISE

Aims to describe how a side stream can be handled to obtain a cosmetic ingredient and how this new potential cosmetic ingredient can be investigated in order to create a cosmetic product ready for the market according to the indication of the cosmetic regulation actually in force.

 

1.2.1) Side streams quality and pre-treatments for cosmetic usage

1.2.2) Legislation applicable to usages of side streams in cosmetic products

Intends to introduce the principles and regulatory requirements indicated in the food legislation, such as general and specific hygiene requirements for the manufacturing and marketing of food supplements, and the conditions to determine the status of ABPs, not destined to human consumption.


1.3.1) Principles of food law and hygiene – WIISE

1.3.2) Production of supplements from animal products: case study – MICAMO

1.3.3) How the different management of FFSs in the supply chain can determine the different status of ‘food’ or ‘SOA’ – WIISE

Topic 2 - Side-streams flow logistics

Topic 2 describes the National and Regional Standard Requirements related to the animal byproducts management and logistic and  gives the fundamental assets of the Risk Assessment Analysis and the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) regulations.

Leader: MICAMO

Training Units:

Food safety is an increasingly important issue in the global context, as ensuring consumer health and the quality of food products is fundamental to public well-being. European regulations, particularly Regulation (EC), establish a rigorous framework for assessing the risks associated with food products.


 


2.1.1) Introduction: the national and regional standard requirements.

The text discusses food safety regulations under Regulation (EC), emphasizing criteria to assess if a food product poses a risk to human health and suitability for consumption. The legislation aims to prevent fraud and protect consumers. Foods are considered risky if “harmful to health” or “unsuitable for human consumption.” Risk assessment considers normal conditions during production and consumer information. Microbiological risks are addressed, specifying safety criteria for finished products. The risk assessment involves five phases. Identifying and evaluating potential hazards, promoting HACCP for risk prevention, complying with regulations, and ensuring safety across the materials’ lifecycle are emphasized for overall food safety.



2.2.1) Risk assessment analysis: the fundamental assets.

2.2.2) What and which are the HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points) regulations for animal by-products handling procedures.

This training unit is dedicated to the description of a case study of the project regarding the Animal by products (henceforth ABP) transportation. The process begins with an application to the local sanitarian authority to obtain the authorization to transport ABP. It is required to prepare a document that describes the entire process from the ABPs collectors to the final destination. All the parts involved have to be registered as ABPs producers, transporters or processors, subjects authorized to collect, treat, manage, transport and dispose ABPs.  These lessons are focused on the transportation phase.


2.3.1) Process for obtaining authorisation to transport ABSs from local sanitarian authority

2.3.2) ABSs collection, transport and traceability. Guidelines and practical implementation

Topic 3 - Valorization of animal by-products

Topic 3 illustrates the extraction methods and the potential use of bioactive compounds derived from fishery side streams in different fields – i.e. nutraceutical, cosmetic, biomaterials  – and provides an overview about the Black Soldier Fly used in the bioactive conversion.

Leader: UNIGE

Training Units:

The fishery side streams represent a potential source of bioactive compounds with high-added-value, such as fish oils rich in omega 3 and 6, collagen and gelatin, exploitable in different fields (i.e., nutraceutical, cosmetic, biomaterials etc.). Green extraction methods have been identified for the separation of these high-added-value compounds as an eco-compatible and sustainable alternative to traditional techniques. Particularly, this Training unit aims to provide some key concepts related to enzymatic-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid-assisted extraction, and extraction using natural deep eutectic solvents.

3.1.1) Bioactive compounds extractable from fishery side-streams – UNIGE

3.1.2) Traditional extraction vs. environmentally friendly extraction – UNIGE

3.1.3) The main environmentally friendly (green) extraction methods: enzymatic extraction – ANFACO

3.1.4) The main environmentally friendly (green) extraction methods: extraction using supercritical fluids – ANFACO

This training unit intends to illustrate the requirements to produce food supplements and cosmetic products using side streams from fisheries and fishery products (FFS), and the ways in which these products can be promoted using claims.

It also displays the basic steps of the pre-formulation and formulation of a food supplement, considering for each active ingredient, the types of products that are being developed according to current market trends.

This training unit illustrates the criteria used to formulate a cosmetic product and the principal steps followed in a cosmetic company from the cosmetic formulation to the final product. The topic is addressed in general and in the specific case for the Ecoefishent Project.


3.2.1) Nutrition and health claims to be made on food and food supplements – WIISE

3.2.2) Pre-formulation and formulation of nutraceutical products – LIMHEALTH

3.2.3) Cosmetic formulation – ARDES

The presentation explores the health benefits and applications of bioactives derived from fish in various sectors. It addresses potential microbiological risks, emphasizing the importance of proper heat treatment and effective risk management. Prevention strategies, including hygiene controls and temperature monitoring, are highlighted, along with compliance with regulations for safety. Bacterial contamination risks and factors influencing bacterial growth are discussed, emphasizing the need for understanding regulatory frameworks. The presentation also delves into histamine contamination in side streams, underscoring proper handling for quality maintenance. Special attention is given to histamine in tuna-derived bioactives, providing a comprehensive overview of safety considerations in fish-derived bioactives production.

 

3.3.1) Activity testing of bioactive compounds from fishery side streams – some key concept – UNIGE

3.3.2) Microbiological safety – MICAMO

3.3.3) Contaminants  – ARPAL

3.3.4) Absence of harmful compounds accompanied by beneficial effects – UNIGE

The ‘Larva breeding’ training unit provides an overview of the Black Soldier Fly’s life cycle, in order to better understand the various stages of the rearing process, and how the related insect bioconversion will provide valuable products with a broad range of applications, from sustainable energies to the production of cosmetics.

 

3.4.1) Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens) Life Cycle – UNIGE

3.4.2) Insect bioconversion through Hermetia illucens breeding – NASEKOMO

3.4.3) Use of products derived from larvae in the project – UNIGE

Topic 4 - Expanded plastic packaging boxes

Topic 4 illustrates what the bioplastic are and gives a particular background knowledge about the biodegradation, the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) boxes manufacturing showing also a possible application in the ecodesign area.

Leader: PROPLAST

Training Units:

This training unit will give an overview of biopolymers, explaining specific terms like bio-based, biodegradable in different environments or compostable. The most important standards, which regulate these materials, will be cited and briefly explained. Finally, an overview of the most known and used biopolymers, their main properties, their current availability on the market, with a focus on their industrial applications, will be done.


4.1.1) What is a bioplastic?

4.1.2) Biodegradability

4.1.3) Bioplastics available on the market

This training unit will give a comprehensive overview and detailed explanation of the production process involved in manufacturing expanded plastic boxes using EPS, providing a complete understanding of the key steps and considerations within this manufacturing workflow.


4.2.1) EPS foaming – Preparation     

4.2.2) EPS foaming – Molding  

Abstract

4.3.1) What is Ecodesign?     

4.3.2) Tools and applications for ecodesign

Topic 5 - Recycling of fishing and aquaculture nets

Topic 5 is focused on the recycling and fishing aquaculture nets giving an overview about the recycling  approaches with particular emphasis on the textile waste recycles and the current situation in Europe.

Leader: PROPLAST

Training Units:

This training unit will give to the audience a brief overview on recycling, as a tool toward the circular economy, focusing on the exact definition of “recyclability” and how to evaluate it, the current situation in Europe of plastic recycling and a brief overview on the new approaches towards recycling of textile waste.

5.1.1) Recycling: one route toward circular economy – PROPLAST

5.1.2) Plastic recycling: Current situation in Europe – PROPLAST 

5.1.3) Textile recycling: the new EU regulation – AIMPLAS

This training unit will give to the audience a brief overview on the two recycling approach, i.e. mechanical and chemical recycling. The two processes will be described in their phases and in the type of processes which belong to these families. These two lessons will be forerun by a lesson more focused on the plastic waste treatment processes.



5.2.1) Waste treatment for recycling – AIMPLAS  

5.2.2) Mechanical recycling – PROPLAST

5.2.3) Chemical Recycling – PROPLAST

Topic 6 - Flexible plastic food packaging

Topic 6 gives an explanation of what the plastic are, focusing on the “Plastic Pyramid” and the possible alternative sustainable resources. Furthermore, this topic illustrates the flexible packaging sector with a particular attention on the different process methods.

Leader: PROPLAST

Training Units:

In this training unit, an excursus will be made on the definition of plastics and the most typical
processing methods. In addition, a focus will be given on the differences between the various types of plastics, and the specific uses and markets for these materials. There will also be a general overview of the concept of sustainability, the meaning of Bio-Based and its  implications for society.

6.1.1) What is a plastic? How is it made?    

6.1.2) The “Plastic Pyramid” 

6.1.3) Sustainable resources

In this training unit on flexible packaging, we will provide a detailed overview of how flexible packaging is manufactured, its primary functionalities, and its different applications across various food industries. Whether you are involved in production, quality control, product development, or marketing, this training will equip you with valuable knowledge about flexible packaging.


6.2.1) Flexible food packaging – SAES  

6.2.2) The Shelf life and influence of gases – SAES

6.2.3) Film extrusion processes – AIMPLAS

6.2.4) Lacquering and Lamination processes – SAES

Topic 7 - Marine ecosystem impacts: ghost gears and improvement of fishing tools

Topic 7 illustrates the impacts on the marine ecosystems affected by the ghost gears and the overfishing giving possible solutions towards the sustainability offered by the selectivity and bycatch issue and the improvement of fishing tools.

Leader: WWF

Training Units:

Plastic pollution profoundly impacts marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem health. Plastic debris alters marine habitats, disrupting natural processes like nutrient cycling and sedimentation. Physical entanglement and ingestion of plastics harm marine organisms, leading to habitat degradation and species decline. Microplastics infiltrate marine food chains, posing risks to aquatic life and human health through bioaccumulation. Moreover, economic repercussions arise from reduced fisheries productivity and tourism declines. A global action is imperative to safeguard marine biodiversity and the well-being of future generations. Mitigation activities needs interdisciplinary efforts spanning policy, education, and innovation to preserve marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable ocean management.


7.1.1) Ocean plastic pollution – WWF

7.1.2) Ghost Gear impacts – UNIGE

7.1.3) Ghost Gear possible solutions in an MPA – AMP

Fishing is one of the most significant drivers of declines in ocean wildlife populations. Catching fish is not inherently bad for the ocean, except for when vessels catch fish faster than stocks can replenish, something called overfishing. Overfishing is closely tied to bycatch—the capture of unwanted sea life while fishing for a different species. This, too, is a serious marine threat that can cause the needless loss of billions of fish, along with hundreds of thousands of sea turtles and cetaceans. Technical solutions exist to improve the selectivity of the fishing gears allowing more sustainable fisheries. Sustainable fisheries aim to balance fishing practices, ensuring fish stocks remain healthy for future generations.


 

 7.2.1) Overfishing – WWF

7.2.2) Selectivity and bycatch issue – CIBM 

7.2.3) Fishing tools improvement – CIBM 

7.2.4) Sustainable fisheries – WWF

Topic 8 - Life Cycle Thinking apply to Fishing Industry

Topic 8 introduces and illustrates the methodology of the Life Cycle Thinking – i.e. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) – with a particular focus on the case study extracted from the EcoeFISHent project.

Leader: Project Hub 360

Training Units:

LCT is a holistic methodological approach to the definition of the sustainability of a product/service which requires overcoming the traditional focus on the production phase and the related manufacturing processes with the aim of including all the environmental, social and economic impacts generated throughout the entire life cycle. The approach is an essential tool for improving environmental and socio-economic performance.


 

8.1.1) Sustainable development & Circular Approaches

8.1.2) Evaluate Sustainability: Life Cycle Thinking Approach

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology that allows to evaluate the environmental impacts relating to the entire life cycle of a product or service from the extraction and processing of raw materials, production, distribution, use, up to the end of life.
The two lessons aim to introduce the methodology from a technical point of view and to provide the basic tools for a summary understanding of how the analysis is carried out and the results interpreted. The second lesson reports in detail a case study extracted from the EcoeFISHent project.


8.2.1) LCA Methodology overview (8:36)

8.2.2) How to perform LCA? Fishing industry examples (7:36)

Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is an analytical approach that allows to evaluate the costs originated along to the entire life cycle of a product or service, starting from the pre-production stages up to its final disposal. The quantification of costs occurs for initial, service, maintenance, operation and disposal costs; it is worth remembering that beyond the initial cost, other cost sources generally represent the largest share of the total costs actually incurred.
The lesson aims to introduce the methodology from a technical point of view and to provide the basic tools for a summary understanding of how the analysis is carried out and the results interpreted.


8.3.1) LCC Methodology and Fishing industry examples

Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) is a methodology that allows to evaluate the social and socioeconomic impacts relating to the life cycle of a product or service from Cradle to Gate, therefore from the extraction and processing of raw materials, to production, up to distribution. Understanding and reducing social risks represents an important element of conscious management of one’s business, together with environmental and economic aspects.
The number of people and companies that undertake a path of social sustainability continues to grow, to improve their reputation in the eyes of stakeholders and to position themselves in an increasingly strategic manner in the reference market.
The lessons aim to introduce the methodology from a technical point of view and to provide the basic tools for a summary understanding of how the analysis is carried out and the results interpreted.

8.4.1) Methodology overview          

8.4.2) SLCA apply to Fishing industry

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