Norskin and Benchmark exploit fish skin from Broodstock salmon.

Norskin recently entered a collaboration with Benchmark where Norskin has access to fish skin from Broodstock salmon for the next 5 years.

Norskin will in turn deliver a machine wich allows for easier fleshing of this type of Broodstock salmon.

Broodstock salmon. Foto by : Thomas Morel

Norwegian Katapult have granted funding

Norskin were successful applicants in the Norwegian katapult program with funding from the Siva-fund, an amount of half a million NOK was funded where Siva will cover 50%. The main goal for this project is to develop a prototype machine for skinning broodstock salmon, in order to partly or fully replace the manual methods that are used today.

Skins from broodstock salmon are not available in the marked today considering this type of salmon is of a lower grade and is not commonly skinned. This conflicts with the environmental aspects from a breeders point of view. Norskin will therefore offer a more efficient method of skinning this type of salmon and introduce it as a luxury product in the leather industry.

There is not currently a machine available in the marked that offers this kind of fleshing where the main focus is to preserve the quality of the skin. A machine of this calibre will give Norskin an advantage over the competitors when it comes to accessing broodstock skin, considering the technology rights will be owned by Norskin.

Former minister of fisheries Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen has helped make the project a reality in his role as a strategic advisor for Norskin.

-This is a win-win situation from both companies. With an environmental focus, a better use of the raw materials that would otherwise end up churned or thrown away. The project fits well with the governments strategy on how to increase value from marine residue, and it is important that the funds are set aside for these kind of innovative projects, says Ingebrigtsen

Raw material deal with Benchmark Genetics

In order to proceed with the project, Norskin needs access to raw material and a location for testing the new technology. Benchmark Genetics in Kobbelv therefore became a natural source to collaborate with.

Michal Meyer Nilssen with Ann Kristin Skaugvold. Foto - Catrine Kildemo

Benchmark´s main task is to produce and deliver salmon roe to customers all over the country. Norskin recently entered a collaboration where Norskin has access to Broodstock salmon for the next 5 years.

-The fact that we have entered this collaboration with Norskin and have gained the option to deliver quality skins to a local producer, -that wants to create added value to the salmon, fits well with our profile towards a sustainable operation.

It adds to economic growth and new workplaces locally. We are proud to contribute towards this movement, says Ann-Kristin Skaugvold at Benchmark Genetics Salten.

The collaboration adds value to both companies,- it allows for further production of a raw material which would have ended up as waste, says Michal Meyer Nilssen, CEO at Norskin Materials.