Transforming fish waste into high-value collagen – New research from Swinburne University in Australia highlights a promising innovation for the seafood industry: the production of high-value collagen from fish by-products. Led by Nisa Salim of Swinburne’s School of Engineering and supported by the Victoria state government, the project explores a sustainable method of extracting collagen from waste materials, offering an ethical alternative to animal sources.
The fishing industry is known to generate large amounts of waste, including fish skin, bones and scales. This waste often ends up in landfills or is dumped in the oceans, contributing to environmental issues such as reduced oxygen levels and altered marine ecosystems. In Australia alone, about 90,000 tonnes of fish waste end up in landfills each year.
Salim’s research offers a new way to turn this waste into a valuable resource
Collagen is a protein in high demand in various sectors, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to food and medical treatments. Traditionally, the market has been dominated by animal-derived collagen, but the growing focus on ethical and sustainable alternatives has created demand for innovative solutions. With this research, collagen derived from fish by-products could soon meet this demand. The global collagen market is expected to grow significantly, with estimates indicating an increase from $5 billion to $8 billion within the next five years.
The method developed by Salim is an environmentally friendly solution, in line with the principles of the circular economy. Repurposing fish by-products offers a twofold benefit: reducing waste and creating a profitable resource for various sectors. The project also demonstrates potential economic benefits, especially for coastal communities dependent on the fishing industry. The ability to generate new sources of income from waste materials could transform the sector, ensuring environmental sustainability and economic growth.
In collaboration with the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, the team plans to further explore commercial applications of this technology. Early tests have shown that collagen derived from fish waste meets the high standards required for use in both the food and cosmetics industries. With feasibility tests and market assessments underway, the future of collagen derived from fishery by-products looks promising.
As global industries increasingly prioritise sustainability, innovations like this could serve as a model for reducing environmental impact and maximising resource efficiency. Shifting from traditional sources of collagen to those derived from fish by-products is a win-win solution for both the planet and the economy.
Transforming fish waste into high-value collagen
