Codland

Codland represents a strategic initiative within Iceland's vital marine industry, focusing on the complete utilization of fish byproducts. Established in 2012 as a spin-off from the Iceland Ocean Cluster, the company was conceived through a collaboration of seven fishing and ocean-related businesses with the shared objective of maximizing the value derived from every part of the fish. This venture is rooted in a philosophy of sustainability and value creation, transforming underutilized raw materials from cod processing into high-demand products through biotechnical applications.

The company's business model is centered on a B2B framework, operating as a collaborative platform that unites established fishing companies, research institutions, and innovators. Codland's founding partners include major Icelandic fishing companies like Vísir and Þorbjörn, along with the fish drying firm Haustak. These partners supply the raw byproducts, which Codland then processes. Revenue is generated by managing the production and sale of value-added goods derived from these materials. A prime example is their venture into collagen production from fish skins, a project developed in partnership with Spanish company Juncá Gelatines. This initiative involves creating a highly automated factory to produce collagen powder sold in bulk to producers of functional foods, drinks, and beauty products.

Codland's core service is the research, development, and commercialization of products from fish byproducts that are often discarded. Its flagship product is high-quality marine collagen powder, extracted from the skins of wild Icelandic cod. The company emphasizes the pure, sustainable origin of its raw material—wild fish from responsibly managed stocks, processed using green energy—as a key selling point. Beyond collagen, Codland is also developing mineral supplements from fish bones, further expanding its portfolio of health products. This approach not only creates new revenue streams but also significantly enhances the sustainability and profitability of Iceland's fishing industry by embracing a circular economy model.

Keywords: marine biotechnology, fish byproduct utilization, collagen production, sustainable fishing, circular economy, seafood industry, value-added products, Iceland Ocean Cluster, nutraceuticals, functional foods, B2B ingredients, marine ingredients, fish skin processing, sustainable protein, food science, natural resources, commercial fishing innovation, biomaterials, health supplements, responsible fisheries