We recently talked to Angelina Skowronski, an expert in sustainable supply chains & regenerative fishing. Angelina Skoronsky is the Market Development Manager for the Western US at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Her mission is to champion responsible fishing, nurture sustainable supply chains, and preserve our precious marine ecosystems.

MSC is an international environmental nonprofit that plays a pivotal role in aligning sustainable fishing practices with conscientious consumers. By collaborating closely with retailers, brands, processors, and distributors, Angelina ensures the seamless integration of MSC-certified seafood products into the supply chain.

From guiding retailers in crafting sustainable sourcing strategies to linking brands with trusted MSC-certified seafood sources, Angelina’s work serves as a catalyst for positive transformation towards ethical consumption practices and sustainable supply chains.

Decoding Sustainable Supply Chains in Seafood: A Deeper Dive

Sustainability in seafood, like most products, hinges on responsible sourcing. Furthermore, Angelina emphasizes the pivotal role of fisheries adhering to sustainable practices. This ensures the replenishment of fish stocks and safeguards the marine ecosystem.

Transportation is another critical factor. Seafood often traverses long distances, necessitating eco-friendly choices in logistics to minimize the carbon footprint.

However, sustainability extends beyond sourcing and transportation. Angelina talked about the importance of processing practices, underscoring the importance of utilizing all parts of the fish, for instance, to create a broader range of products. This comprehensive approach reduces waste and repurposes typically discarded components for a host of other products (For example: fishmeal & liver oil supplements made from the head & fins). This very strategy can serve as a template for an array of consumer food products, extending beyond just fish.

Angelina’s insights underscore a holistic view of sustainable supply chains in seafood. Together, these decisions forge a responsible path toward a healthier marine ecosystem. 

Navigating Toward Sustainability: Practical Steps for Business Owners

Transitioning to a sustainable supply chain demands practical steps that yield real change. Here are key actions for business owners to initiate this transformation based on Angelina’s expertise & advice:

1. Dissect Your Existing Supply Chain: Begin by analyzing your supply chain. Scrutinize every phase—from raw material sourcing and transportation to processing. Identify your carbon footprint & make a plan for efficiency improvements.

2. Prioritize Sustainable Sourcing: Seek responsible sources for raw materials, whether in textiles, seafood, or agriculture. Opt for suppliers committed to environmentally friendly practices, aligning with your own sustainability efforts.

3. Foster Collaborative Partnerships: Collaborate with like-minded companies. Partnering with organizations that share your commitment amplifies your impact, accelerating progress toward sustainability.

4. Embrace Incremental Change: Understand that change takes time. Develop a clear roadmap with milestones and deadlines. Set achievable goals, such as transitioning to sustainable raw materials by specific target years.

5. Publicly Declare Commitments: Make your commitment visible and accountable. Establish public commitments with clear timelines. This demonstrates your dedication and creates a sense of responsibility & transparency.

6. Set Specific Time-Bound Goals: Avoid vague promises. Instead, establish precise deadlines. Commit to achieving sustainability goals by certain years, creating a practical pace while showcasing your commitment.

Adopting these practical steps positions business owners on the path to a sustainable supply chain. Each action contributes to a greener, more responsible future.

Sustainable Business Strategies on a Budget: Insights from Angelina

In the midst of a global drive towards sustainability, spurred by a host of new stringent ESG regulations, small and medium-sized businesses are facing a pivotal question: How can they embrace eco-friendly practices without straining their budgets? 

Angelina points out that sustainability can, in fact, lead to cost reductions. She cites the example of energy-efficient upgrades in buildings, which not only lower environmental impact but also result in decreased energy bills. While initial investments might be necessary, the long-term financial gains are evident. Moreover, she highlights the availability of grants and funding options that can alleviate the financial burden of transitioning to sustainable practices.

When it comes to sourcing materials sustainably, Angelina underscores the potential for cost efficiency. Rather than assuming higher expenses, businesses can reap benefits by maximizing the usage of raw materials. For instance, she suggests finding creative ways to repurpose byproducts, like transforming fish scales and heads into valuable resources for industries such as pet food or omega-3 supplements. By doing so, businesses can tap into previously untapped revenue streams while minimizing waste.

In essence, Angelina’s insights paint a compelling picture: Sustainability and financial viability are not mutually exclusive. Businesses can adopt environmentally friendly practices while simultaneously making prudent financial decisions. The key lies in recognizing opportunities for synergy between sustainability and cost-effectiveness. 

Get in Touch with Angelina:

Connect with her on LinkedIn

Check out MSCs’ website: https://www.msc.org/