Alltech Coppens in Nettetal, Germany, and Alltech Fennoaqua in Raisio, Finland, have become the first feed mills in their respective countries to achieve certification under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Feed Standard — a key step toward greater transparency and sustainability in European aquaculture.

“Congratulations to both Alltech Coppens and Alltech Fennoaqua for achieving ASC Feed Certification,” said Aisla Jones, feed engagement and U.K. markets manager at ASC. “This demonstrates commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. Embedding responsibility at the start of the supply chain helps drive the change the industry needs.”

The ASC Feed Standard is the first global standard to set binding requirements for all feed ingredients — from fishmeal and fish oil to plant-based ingredients such as soy, palm oil and wheat. Certification requires companies to show ingredients come from responsibly managed fisheries or sustainable agriculture, with traceable procurement records.

Both mills submitted extensive evidence during the assessment, including documentation of raw materials and suppliers, verification of social safeguards such as fair working conditions and occupational safety across the supply chain, and implementation of measures to reduce energy use, emissions, water consumption and waste.

“This is an important next step on our sustainability journey,” said Ronald Faber of Alltech. “ASC is one of the world’s most recognised certifications. The preparation demanded time and teamwork; the process was intense but has helped make our operations more transparent and sustainable — a benefit that goes beyond the certification itself.”

The ASC Feed Standard is closely linked to the ASC Farm Standard: while the Farm Standard governs conditions on aquaculture farms, the Feed Standard ensures that feed and its ingredients are produced sustainably and responsibly across the supply chain. From 31 October 2025, ASC-certified farms will be required to use feed from ASC-certified feed mills.

“There is demand in the global fish market for products whose sustainable and responsible production can be demonstrated to consumers through standardised certifications such as ASC,” said Susanna Airaksinen, development manager of Alltech Fennoaqua. “Thanks to the certification process, we will continue supplying feed to ASC-certified farms even after the stricter requirements come into force.”

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