Choosing climate-friendly seafood should get easier with a new standard just published.

Consumers are increasingly looking for ecological products, so demonstrating its carbon footprint is one way to gain a competitive edge. Now seafood suppliers can do just that with the publication of ISO 22948, Carbon footprint for seafood Product category rules (CFP–PCR) for finfish.

The new standard details the product category rules (PCR) for the calculation and communication of the carbon footprint of seafood as defined in ISO 14067:2018, Greenhouse gases – Carbon footprint of products – Requirements and guidelines for quantification. This in turn enables a better understanding of the environmental impact of such products, which can be demonstrated to consumers as well.

The methodology outlined in the document builds on the requirements of ISO standards for life-cycle assessment and products’ carbon footprint. It enables the calculation and communication of the carbon footprint of finfish products, from fishing and/or cultivation through to consumption, and is relevant for products from both fisheries and aquaculture value chains.

It is expected that widespread use of the standard will serve as a valuable tool to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall environmental impact of the seafood industry, while fuelling greater consumer demand for low-carbon products.

ISO 22948 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 234, Fisheries and aquaculture, whose secretariat is held by SN, ISO’s member for Norway. It can be purchased from your national ISO member or the ISO Store.