Our footprint
We will maximize the degree of utilisation by creating new food products from the fish and shellfish that we produce. We will minimize our environmental footprint through responsible consumption and circular handling of non-renewable resources.
Within the priority of our Footprint, we focus on 4 subareas:
1. Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions
Since 2019, Royal Greenland has replaced four ocean-going trawlers and one more is on the way in 2025. The new vessels are designed according to new principles and have bigger storage. Therefore, a reduction is expected in the total energy consumption per ton of catch.
We have the opportunity to contribute to preventing a continued increase in global warming and its impacts, seen locally and worldwide. This is a difficult task, but we can see opportunities in joining forces to tackle climate change, through improvement and reduction projects, as well as cooperation with energy supply companies that are working to achieve sustainable, climate-neutral energy forms.
New vs old M/tr Sisimiut
The new vessel, M/tr Sisimiut, is a very robust vessel that supports fishing in even the roughest weather conditions and makes fishing more efficient. That makes the vessel effective and - with a bigger storage - it is possible to be at sea for a longer period and reduces transport sailing. The onboard facilities are carefully designed to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and at home while working on the trawler.
2. Maximum Utilisation of Resources
Since seafood in the oceans is a limited resource, we need to make the best possible use of it once it has been caught.
Utilising side-streams presents the challenge that the residual raw materials differ considerably from the products traditionally produced. Often special technology or a lot of energy and manual work is required to utilize the remaining quantities, which sometimes means that disposal may be the only option left.
When a fish is filleted, the head, skin and carcass will be left, while shells in large quantities will be left when shellfish such as prawn and crab are peeled. Innovative solutions, investments, co-operation with external partners and better resource allocation will make it possible to increase resource utilisation.
3. Paper, Cardboard & Plastic
Finished products need to be packaged in order to be transported hygienically and efficiently and to preserve their shelf life. However, the type of packaging used is not irrelevant.
In the EU, Extended Producers Responsibility will roll out in 2025, with taxes on all packaging, depending on the recyclability, colour and weight of the packaging.
Royal Greenland wishes to increase recycling and sees opportunities in the systematic review and conversion of all packaging and other materials for which more sustainable solutions can replace.
Transition to recyclable plastic
It can be a challenge to reconcile the transition to recyclable plastic with a reduction of plastic consumption. Plastic material is used in many parts of the value chain and plays a significant role in primary packaging, as a storage medium and as resilient materials in nets and trawls.
4. Water Consumption
Fresh water of good quality is an important ressource for all our productions units.
At Royal Greenland's production units, fresh water may originate from surface water, groundwater or, in some plants, sea water. Fresh water is delivered from local utility companies.
At some geographical locations in Greenland, fresh water is in short supply, and fresh water is produced via a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Since this is a very expensive and energy-intensive method, the possibility of using purified seawater is being investigated.
Responsible fishing
Our fisheries must be managed in accordance with the scientific advice and certified by an independent third party. We procure fish and shellfish according to equivalent principles and contribute to building knowledge of fisheries, the marine environment and new species.Healthy working lives
We want to create an integrated occupational health and safety management system with an environmental management system, that protects the physical and psychological working environment and the well-being of all employees. We set the same requirements to our suppliers as we do to ourselves.Education in Greenland
We take great responsibility for competence development and education in Greenland's society, in close cooperation with educational institutions and via our own Royal Greenland Academy.