Sæplast plays an active role in the Moroccan development towards better product quality and environmental solutions

Visitors shoing a lot of interest in Sæplast insulated containers at the Salon Halieutis

Recently, Sæplast in cooperation with Itebox our local partner in Morocco signed a contract with the Moroccan government for the implementation of  26.000 units 70 litre insulated plastic containers of which 6.600 had octopus specially designed lids.

The problem

Very demanding customers in Japan, complaining about bad final product quality,  oil contaminated octopus and no usage of ice.

The bad handling of product was mostly related to usage of polypropylene bags instead of tubs, bags do not provide insulation or protect the product from contaminants, each boat would use around 200 bags during fishing season and About 20 kg of polypropylene bags were disposed every year from them, often improperly.

The solution

With Sæplast insulated plastic containers lasting for 10-15 years, the use for polyethylene will only be 1-1,5 kg per year and the shelf life of the product is increased. Preliminary result is that up to 70-80% of catch is still alive out of the containers at auction house vs. 1-2% before. With this contract, Sæplast is standing by it´s core values being a differentiator in plastic solutions making positive environmental impact, in this case saying goodbye to the Morocco polypropylene bags. Sæplast provided traceability inserting an RFID tag in each box allowing the fish auction to track product origin. 
All fishermen in Dakhla, Boujdour, Laayoune & Tarfaya have now fish tubs on board their boats instead of the traditional bag. 

The shores of Morocco

Morocco is without doubts one of the most relevant players in the fishing sector due to its double slope, Atlantic and Mediterranean and according to official sources, Moroccan waters constitute an exclusive area of 1 million square kilometers.

The 3,500 kilometers coastline offers a rich marine biodiversity and  specificity of the ecosystem. In this coastline, 1,800 coastal fishing boats, 14,000 artisanal vessels and 356 fishing boats for high seas.

 Artisanal fishing boats at Moroccan shores 

The Salon Halieutis plan

Launched on 29. September 2009, Salon Halieutis is celebrated every two years under the presidency of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the exhibition is part of the Halieutis Plan designed to increase the value of the Moroccan fishing sector by the development of a new dynamic in the fisheries. This plan is based on three strategic thrusts:

Sustainability: the sustainability of the sector for future generations

Performance: efficiently manage the equipment and infrastructure so landing and establish a mechanism for quality control to guarantee to consumers access to products with a high level of security plans hygiene and health.

Competitiveness: offer products attractively priced and competitive, facilitating access of industrial raw materials and focusing on the most promising markets.

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The Halieutis exhibition is a unique international event for the fisheries sector and its ecosystem. consolidating itself as a platform for business, communication, promotion, search for partners, cooperation and innovation.

The Moroccan fisheries sector enjoys international prestige which has enabled it to become the leading producer of fish in Africa and the world’s largest producer and exporter of sardines. Currently, Morocco has signed agreements with the European Union and Russia. 

Sæplast was delighted by the quality of visits at the show where the sales team showcased Sæplast insulated plastic containers.

 The Halieutis seafood exhibition website