Mowi Canada East recycles 260 tonnes of obsolete equipment in Newfoundland waste management initiative.
Mowi Canada East has completed the recycling of approximately 260 metric tonnes of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material from decommissioned salmon farming equipment in Newfoundland, as part of an initiative to address legacy assets inherited through the acquisition of Northern Harvest Sea Farms.
The project, carried out in partnership with sustainable waste management company EcoAxis, involved the removal, towing, and processing of 100 obsolete pens and bird stands. The recycled material is being repurposed for industrial uses, including composite matting and runway construction in Northern Canada.
Mowi said the initiative supports its broader commitment to reuse or recycle all plastic farming equipment, including nets, ropes, and feeding pipes, while addressing the costs and environmental risks associated with storage and disposal. The company estimated the disposal of the obsolete gear would have cost over CAD 300,000.
“This effort was more than just a necessary cleanup; it was a chance to demonstrate leadership in sustainable waste management,” said Amy Negrijn, Licensing and Compliance Specialist at Mowi Canada East. She added that, in addition to recycling, 135 pens and bird stands have been redistributed to other companies within the industry.
Mowi said the project has also helped establish a model for other operators on the south coast of Newfoundland to responsibly dispose of large plastic waste.