New applicants to the MarinTrust Programme must apply for audits against the newly introduced Factory Standard Version 3 (V3)
From 01 May 2024, new applicants to the MarinTrust Programme for responsible sourcing and production of marine ingredients must apply for audits against the newly introduced Factory Standard Version 3 (V3).
Current certificate holders are granted a one-year transition period to prepare for audits under the new standard, with an expectation that all companies will be certified against V3 by 1st May 2025. As of April 2024, the MarinTrust Standard is upheld by 172 sites across 30 countries.
The new version aims to establish fully traceable marine ingredients and enhances the focus on environmental and social impacts, both at production sites and on vessels supplying whole fish. It also strives to increase accessibility for responsibly sourced and produced marine ingredients and to encourage the use of by-products. The approval of V3 marks the culmination of an extensive development process, including pilot assessments worldwide and feedback from auditors, certified companies, and key stakeholders in the marine ingredient industry. These efforts aim to improve the consistency and efficiency of audits.
MarinTrust has published a comprehensive suite of supporting documents to assist stakeholders during the transition. This includes guidance on the recognition of standards and details on the transition periods and criteria changes for both by-product assessments and whole fish fishery assessments.
“This new version encompasses a bold step for our industry and value chain, and we are extremely proud of all the work that has gone into its development. With around six million tonnes of marine ingredients, mostly fishmeal and fish oil, produced globally, 48% of which are, to date, certified against the MarinTrust Standard, this new version will have a hugely positive impact around the world,” said Francisco Aldon, CEO of MarinTrust.