TAKEAWAYS
- Zarotti has taken the next step in the fight against ocean bound plastic pollution by using UPM Raflatac Ocean Action label materials in their tuna product line which is made from plastic waste that would otherwise end up in the oceans.
- Zarotti is one of the leading companies in the industrial processing of quality fish in Italy. With a deep connection to the sea, Zarotti is passionate about preserving the oceans. The company utilizes specific fishing techniques and adheres to maximum sustainable yield levels, fishing quotas, and minimum fish sizes. Zarotti also focuses on their packaging, banning materials derived from petroleum and using recyclable packaging with minimal plastic.
- Ocean Action labels have properties that are identical to traditional plastic films, and they provide Zarotti with an effortless solution to advance the recyclability of their products.
- With Ocean Action, Zarotti can enhance its image, build strong brand loyalty among customers and stakeholders, and improve productivity.
Zarotti, Italy´s leading company in industrial fish products, boasts a rich history of capturing the essence of Mediterranean flavours in its offerings. With a deep connection to the sea, Zarotti is passionate about the health of the oceans and aims to carefully preserve and protect the delicate ecosystems that provide the foundation for its products.
“We have claimed ourselves to be the Ambassadors of the Sea, which means our first environmental responsibility is for the sea, and our priority is to protect it for us and for our children,” says Marina Casarotto, Marketing & Communications Manager at Zarotti.
Multiple approaches to protecting the seas
Protecting the oceans requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, Zarotti places a strong emphasis on their fishing practices. The company utilizes techniques such as fishing during specific phases of the moon to minimize interference with breeding and reproduction, and adheres to maximum sustainable yield levels, fishing quotas, and minimum fish sizes.
Secondly, Zarotti focuses on the sustainability of their packaging.
“We have made a commitment to protecting the planet by using environmentally friendly materials and packaging. We have banned materials derived from petroleum and began using recyclable packaging with minimal plastic.”
Zarotti´s efforts have already been recognized through the Plastic Free Certification and Friend of the Sea certification for their practices in reducing waste, limiting CO2 emissions, and minimizing plastic and micro-plastics in the oceans.
“We definitely have skin in the game on this one. Micro-plastics end up being consumed by the fish, which ultimately reflects on the quality of our products as well.”
Ocean Action takes the next step
As a next step in their fight against plastics in the seas, Zarotti has started using UPM Raflatac Ocean Action label materials in their tuna product line. Ocean Action label materials are the first of their kind, made from plastic waste that would otherwise end up in the oceans. This waste is collected within 200 metres of shorelines and 50 kilometres of waterways, specifically in areas where waste management is lacking or ineffective. By repurposing ocean bound plastic waste, the collection and reduction of plastic entering the ocean is incentivized. The plastic is then chemically recycled to be used as label materials, giving it a new life.
“The plastic labels have been the only thing not recycled or recyclable in our products. This is the reason why we have decided to start using Ocean Bound label materials. By becoming an Ocean Action company, Zarotti can enhance its image, build strong brand loyalty among customers and stakeholders, and improve productivity”, Casarotto says.
Extending the use of Ocean Action labels
In the initial phase, Zarotti has begun incorporating Ocean Action labels into their tuna product range. Italian printer Future Label prints the final labels for Zarotti’s products. According to Casarotto, Zarotti is looking to extend the use of Ocean Action label materials to other products as well. With the goal of increasing the level of recycled content in their products, Zarotti hopes to spur the market towards taking action for the oceans.
“By implementing stricter standards for eco-design, biodegradability, and compostability in the production and distribution of plastic materials, we can effectively protect our oceans.”