When we launched the Salmon Solution project, our goal was clear: to prove that transporting salmon across Europe in reusable Twin Tubs could be just as efficient as using traditional single-use boxes—only smarter, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.
Now, after more than a year of collaboration, testing, and fine-tuning, that goal has become a reality. In partnership with Arctic Fish in Bolungarvík, Iceland and Adri & Zoon in Yerseke, Netherlands, we’ve successfully demonstrated that circular logistics in the salmon industry isn’t just a vision—it’s a working solution.
Real-World Testing from Iceland to the Netherlands
This journey began with a shared willingness to challenge the status quo. For years, almost all salmon transported across Europe has relied on single-use packaging. It is convenient, and the boxes are ideal for air transport due to their lightweight nature.
However, as logistics have evolved—especially in the years following COVID-19—transportation by sea has rapidly increased. With reduced air cargo availability and growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, sea freight has become the more dominant mode of transport.
In the Faroe Islands, the shift has been clear: in 2015, 65% of the fish was transported by sea—today, 85% of salmon is shipped by sea. In Iceland, the change is even more dramatic: from 50% by sea in 2015 to 80% last year.
This shift has revealed a growing need for smarter, reusable equipment that works for long-distance sea transport—which is exactly what iTUB’s Twin Tubs are designed for.
Not only are Twin Tubs durable and reusable, but in many cases, they also allow for more efficient loading—fitting more product into each container compared to single-use packaging. As a result, companies can ship more fish, with fewer resources, and significantly lower emissions.
A Quality Team That Took Nothing for Granted
What set this project apart was the thoroughness with which the Adri & Zoon quality department approached the trials. First, they conducted a side-by-side comparison of fish transported in traditional EPS boxes versus Twin Tubs—measuring every aspect of freshness and quality.
Once it was confirmed that the product quality matched in both systems, they pushed the analysis further. The team conducted detailed tests on fillet efficiency, checking for any changes in yield from fish delivered in Twin Tubs. The verdict? No shortcuts, no compromises, no difference in quality—just smarter logistics.
“We have done the testing and we see that there is a reduction in transportation cost, there is reduction in handling cost, and there is a reduction in transportation cost, there is a reduction on environmental impact – 80% reduction of CO2 emissions, and there is not reduction in product quality” Hans Kamerik, Quality manager at Adri & Zoon
From Waste to Circular Value
Twin Tubs aren’t just reusable—they’re built to last 12–15 years and are made from recycled material. When they eventually reach the end of their lifespan, they are recycled again and turned into new tubs—closing the loop.
“Once the tubs are deemed unusable, they are recycled and the recycled material is then put back into new tubs,” explained Bragi Smith, Sales Director at iTUB. “That is what we call a true circular system.”
They’re also cleaned and disinfected after each use—and again before reuse at the farm—ensuring food safety remain top priority.
“We were interested in exploring the Twin Tubs because of the sustainability aspect,” said Kristján Rúnar Kristjánsson, COO of Harvesting at Arctic Fish.“They are giving us the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint. And then, of course, there is the cost saving aspect. We see big savings, both for us and also for the customers.”
Practical Benefits for the Factory Floor
Arctic Fish also noticed day-to-day advantages on the production side.
“For us in the factory, it is also an added bonus that the production goes smoother when we are packing in tubs,” Kristján added. “We have a setup for both tubs and boxes so we can do both simultaneously, thereby increasing our production speed. That can come in handy in high season.”
Adri & Zoon: Thinking Ahead
As one of the leading seafood buyers in Europe, Adri & Zoon saw this as a chance to lead—not just in efficiency, but in responsibility.
“We’ve been thinking for many years how we can transport salmon more efficiently to the Netherlands,” said Adri Bruijnooge, owner of Adri & Zoon. “If you use the tubs instead of the poly box, it is a better story for everybody.”
As Europe prepares for stricter CO₂ regulations, Adri & Zoon is already ahead of the curve—cutting emissions, reducing waste, and saving money.
“Europe is producing some 2 million tons of salmon annually,” said Hilmir Svavarsson, Managing Director at iTUB. “A big part of this is transported in single-use equipment. We have created a solution where people can use our reusable equipment. It’s more efficient, more sustainable—with 80% less carbon footprint—and more cost effective.”
Leading the Industry Forward
At iTUB, we believe in building solutions that help the seafood industry grow—without growing its footprint. Thanks to the leadership of Arctic Fish and Adri & Zoon, the Twin Tub system has gone from concept to proven success.
Together, we’re showing that it is possible to rethink logistics, protect product quality, and protect the planet at the same time.
