Alltech Coppens in Nettetal, Germany, and Alltech Fennoaqua in Raisio, Finland, are driving positive change by becoming the first feed mills in their respective countries to achieve certification under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Feed Standard. This dual milestone marks a major step toward greater transparency and sustainability in the European aquaculture sector, as feed is one of the most powerful levers for reducing the environmental and social impacts of fish farming.
“Congratulations to both Alltech Coppens and Alltech Fennoaqua for achieving ASC Feed Certification,” said Aisla Jones, feed engagement and U.K. market manager at ASC. “This demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. By embedding responsibility at the very start of the aquaculture supply chain, they are helping drive the change our industry needs.”
The ASC Feed Standard is the first of its kind to set binding global requirements for all feed ingredients — from fishmeal and fish oil to plant-based ingredients such as soy, palm oil and wheat. To achieve certification, companies must demonstrate that these ingredients are sourced from responsibly managed fisheries or sustainable agricultural sources.
Both feed mills provided extensive evidence as part of the certification process. That evidence included documentation of their raw materials and suppliers; verification of social aspects, such as fair working conditions and occupational safety throughout the supply chain; and the 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, CEO of Alltech Coppens and global aqua lead at Alltech. “ASC is one of the world’s most recognised certifications, and we are very proud to have achieved it. The preparation required time, perseverance and strong teamwork. The process was intense but has helped us make our operations more transparent and sustainable — a gain that goes far beyond certification itself.”
The ASC Feed Standard is closely linked to the ASC Farm Standard. However, while the Farm Standard regulates conditions on aquaculture farms, the Feed Standard ensures that feed, including its ingredients, is produced sustainably and responsibly across the entire supply chain. Starting on October 31, 2025, ASC-certified farms will be required to use conforming 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 have undergone, we will be able to continue supplying feed to all ASC-certified farms even after the new, stricter requirements come into force later in October.”
With both its German and Finnish feed mills now certified, Alltech is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable production across Europe.
For more information about Alltech Coppens, visit alltechcoppens.com, and to learn about Alltech Fennoaqua, visit fennoaqua.fi.
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