Our Seas, Our Fish, Our Food
Food systems are integral to the health of our consumers and the sustainability of the planet. Sustainability is about being fit for the future, which means being ready to adapt and striving to achieve more. Developing inclusive, sustainable, and healthy food systems is essential to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For Espersen, this means we continuously reviewing our sustainability program to ensure it effectively tackles the most pressing issues facing our business, and the environment in which we operate. The areas we work in are identified and supported by the priorities of internal and external stakeholders, as well as ongoing evaluation of the latest scientific papers.
Nearly half of the world’s population cannot access a nutritious diet and we believe seafood is key to addressing this crisis. Oceans cover three quarters of the Earth’s surface, with approximately 3 billion people depending on healthy oceans for their primary source of protein¹ and over 200 million people employed in marine fisheries². This is why the SDGs is a core element of our sustainability program.
Based on our stakeholder dialogues we have identified four focus areas that guide our program:
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources as a vital source of healthy and affordable food.
Conduct business in a sustainable manner that encompasses concerns about resource use and protecting the oceans. Ensure we safeguard seafood supplies for future generations, including wild and farmed fish raw material, packaging and ingredients.
Ensure all of our employees recognize Espersen as a good and safe place to work, wherever we are in the world.
Use resources responsibly with the aim of decoupling waste, water and energy use from our production footprint.
¹ Sustainable Seafood | Industries | WWF (worldwildlife.org)
² Sustainable fishing and communities | Marine Stewardship Council (msc.org)