New study calls for circularity and LCA in aquafeed formulation.
A peer-reviewed paper published in Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture has outlined how circularity principles and life cycle assessment (LCA) can be better integrated into aquafeed formulation.
The study, Toward Applying a Circularity Framework Against the Use of Aquaculture Feed Ingredients, was led by Dr Brett Glencross, technical director at IFFO, with contributions from seven scientists and industry representatives.
The authors highlight four priorities for circular feed design: minimising the use of food-grade resources, reducing reliance on land, maximising locally sourced ingredients, and optimising nutritional characteristics.
Dr Glencross said the paper demonstrates how a more comprehensive approach to sustainable feed and food production can be achieved through LCA methodologies. “By applying a common, agreed set of rules, we can ensure that environmental burdens are not simply transferred from one product to another,” he said.
The review notes that marine ingredients have a lower carbon footprint than many alternatives, but their reduced inclusion in aquafeeds has increased reliance on plant-based raw materials, with associated biodiversity and carbon impacts. Over 40 percent of raw material for marine ingredients now comes from by-products, a share expected to rise as aquaculture expands.
The paper also stresses the need for new circular ingredients to meet strict criteria on digestibility, bioavailability, and supply consistency, while identifying opportunities in bioactive compounds from marine waste streams.
The full study is available online at doi.org/10.1080/23308249.2025.2552166.
