ISCC Certification audit for Pelagia in Norway
Pelagia, a global leader in high-quality fish products, is committed to ensuring that nothing goes to waste from the more than 1.3 million tonnes of fish it processes annually. The company’s circular approach includes converting parts of its raw materials into fuel for heating its own production facilities in Norway.
DEKRA’s local Norwegian auditor conducted the ISCC certification audit for Pelagia. According to Karen Vanglo Tønnessen, Sustainability Manager at Pelagia, the certification simplifies emissions reporting, supports sustainability goals, and creates new business opportunities.
“We transform raw materials into a wide range of products, including fish for consumption, supplements, fish oil, marine proteins, protein concentrates, and essential ingredients for fish and animal feed,” she explains.
However, some raw materials cannot be used for food or feed due to quality issues and are classified as Category 2 materials. To avoid waste, Pelagia established a facility at one of its Norwegian plants to convert these Category 2 materials into heating oil.
“We use the resulting oil to power several of our facilities across Norway, including the plant where the oil is produced. This is a truly circular process,” she says.
Transitioning away from fossil fuels has significantly reduced the company’s greenhouse gas emissions related to heating and fuel transport. When used for heating, the oil generates less than 10 percent of the emissions associated with conventional heating oil.
Simplified emissions reporting
Pelagia identified the ISCC system as a solution to simplify emissions reporting and strengthen traceability.
“We wanted to prove that all the fish oil used as fuel originates exclusively from Category 2 materials—not from higher-value raw materials. It is also extremely valuable for us to document and verify the low emissions associated with this oil,” says Karen.
Initially, the ISCC scope seemed complex. However, with guidance from DEKRA’s experienced local auditor and expertise from similar projects, certification became a realistic and achievable goal.
Efficient certification process
Much of the preparation had already been completed, allowing Pelagia to move forward quickly.
“The DEKRA team in the Netherlands prepared the agreement and coordinated the planning very efficiently. During the audit and certification process, our main contact was the local auditor. The process was clear and followed the agreed timeline.”
The audit was conducted over two days in early October 2024, approximately one month after the initial meeting. Two facilities in Northern Norway were audited: the Djupvik production plant and the Jøvik storage facility.
Having a local auditor was particularly valuable:
“Having an auditor who understands the local language and culture greatly facilitated collaboration with our operational teams. ISCC documentation, technical terminology, and regulatory requirements can be complex, so completing the entire process in our native language was highly beneficial.”
A few minor non-conformities were identified during the audit, which were quickly resolved. Pelagia received its ISCC certificate by the end of October.
Valuable third-party verification
Pelagia primarily uses the oil internally, but also supplies it to external customers. The protein by-product from the conversion process is sold to companies such as biogas producers.
“Now that we have ISCC certification, we can provide independent third-party verification of our sustainable, low-emission operations to customers and authorities. This has already resulted in new business opportunities,” Karen concludes.