For decades, the way we’ve transported salmon hasn’t changed much. It has worked, more or less – fish packed in foam boxes, surrounded by ice, trucked or flown to buyers, processed, and sold. But in the background, something unsustainable has been growing: plastic waste, carbon emissions, and the hidden costs of a one-way system that never questions itself.
Now, with the Salmon Solution, that system is being challenged.
A Simple Idea With Transformative Potential
The Salmon Solution is a simple idea: reduce single-use packaging with a durable, circular system. Instead of using EPS boxes that are discarded after one trip, we move whole salmon in reusable tubs from farm to processor. This isn’t about replacing EPS – tubs and boxes work together. EPS is ideal for air freight; tubs are better for other routes, offering a more sustainable, cost-effective alternative. Each tub lasts 12–15 years, makes thousands of trips, and is fully recyclable at end of life. It’s a system that works smarter.
From HOG to VAP: A Fully Integrated Process
The solution was designed for one of the most crucial journeys in salmon transport: from HOG (head-on gutted) salmon at the farm, to VAP (value-added processing) buyers across Europe. These processors are turning salmon into premium fillets, portions, and smoked products that end up in supermarkets across the world. The quality of the fish must be preserved every step of the way — and that’s exactly what the Salmon Solution ensures.
Tubs like the Twin Tub, 390L, 460L, and 660L have been optimized for different cooling methods – from super-chilled fish (with minimal or no ice) to slurry ice. They’re stackable, easy to clean, and engineered for hygiene, temperature stability, and protection.
Built for a Circular Future
Everything about this system is circular. Tubs are:
- Rented, not owned, making them accessible and affordable.
- Pooled and shared, minimizing the total number in circulation.
- Repaired and washed/disinfected after each use.
- Tracked in real-time using iTUB’s MiND system.
- Recycled into new tubs after their working life ends.
One tub – like the now-legendary “Tub #5” – was tracked across 448 fishing trips, carried over 100,000 kg of fish, and traveled the equivalent of 11 times around the Earth before being melted down to become a new tub.
iTUB has been serving the seafood industry since 2010, with over 60,000 tubs circulating across Europe. We have deep experience in moving tubs for the white fish industry – and now, we are bringing that expertise to the salmon industry.
The Results Are In
Over the past year, the system has been tested at scale with partners like Arctic Fish in Iceland and Adri & Zoon in the Netherlands. The verdict?
- No difference in fish quality between EPS boxes and Twin Tubs.
- Equal fillet yield across multiple test conditions.
- Less handling, less waste, and more space efficiency.
Processing plants in Scotland, including Scottish Sea Farms and MOWI’s new Fort William facility, now run tubs and boxes in parallel, and in some cases report 50% lower packaging and transport costs with tubs.
Why It Matters — Now More Than Ever
Europe produces over 2 million tons of salmon annually, mostly moved in single-use packaging. To maintain that flow for six years, the industry needs over 521 million EPS boxes – all made, used once, and discarded.
That’s tens of thousands of tons of plastic, and a carbon footprint that can no longer be ignored.
But beyond the numbers, the pressure for change is mounting. Major retailers — especially in the UK — are demanding more sustainable practices. Consumers want transparency and action. Green Bonds and ESG ratings are now central to seafood financing. And in Scotland, retailers have already pushed for reusable packaging, setting off a chain reaction that is spreading across Europe.
This is no longer a niche experiment. It’s the direction the industry is moving.
The Financial Edge
This isn’t just good for the planet – it’s smart for business.
In a standard 40ft container:
- EPS boxes = 13,352 kg of salmon transported
- Twin Tubs = 18,200 kg of salmon transported
- That’s a 36% increase in payload — and 49% lower cost per kg transported.
Over time, the environmental cost of EPS boxes stays fixed – because you have to make more, again and again. But the cost of reusable tubs drops with every trip. After 50 trips, the LCA shows 72–90% lower CO₂ footprint, a number that speaks for itself.
For Every Farm, Every Buyer
The Salmon Solution is designed to work with current setup. Whether you’re already using EPS or experimenting with tubs, the system is built to complement and scale.
And the best part? You don’t need to invest in infrastructure or commit to owning tubs. Rent them through iTUB, with full service, cleaning, tracking, and support – and focus on your operation.
From Iceland to Scotland, from Norway to the Netherlands, the solution is ready – and already in motion.
A New Era Begins
At iTUB and Saeplast, we believe in better logistics – logistics that respect the product, the environment, and the bottom line. The Salmon Solution is more than a product. It’s a new mindset for how we move fish.
It’s about less waste, lower emissions, excellent quality, and real savings. It’s about building a a new way to transport salmon that doesn’t just meet the standards of today – but helps define the standards of tomorrow.
