Challenging single-use in the seafood industry with traceable reusable packaging

Norwegian company Circmar has developed an innovative packaging solution for the transport of fresh fish. The solution combines reusable boxes and pallets with real-time sensors and digital tracing technology, making it possible to reduce carbon footprint, costs and risks in the value chain.

The solution has secured Circmar a nomination for the 2025 Innovation Award, which will be presented during this year’s Aqua Nor.  

Reusable pallets and fish boxes

The packaging solution consists of CIRCpall (reusable pallet) and CIRCbox (reusable fish box) made from recycled plastic. The solution is designed to be used between 100 and 200 times before being recycled and repurposed.

The packaging system is designed to:

1. Reduce packaging costs per kilo of fish.
2. Vastly improve carbon and ecological footprint.
3. Increase efficiency in the value chain through data capture.

“The boxes and pallets are equipped with sensors that register temperature, impact and position. When we set out to create reusable packaging, we wanted it to be an improvement compared to current available solutions,” explains Espen Ramsbacher, founder and business development manager at Circmar.

To date, only CIRCpall has been launched on the market, but CIRCbox is just around the corner. CIRCpall is compatible with other standard fish boxes and can easily be integrated into existing logistics systems.

A complete packaging system

The sensors in the pallets and boxes are connected to a digital platform that provides a complete overview. The system provides alerts in the event of deviations, and all data is logged and can be used for documentation, environmental reporting and quality control.

“The solution also includes a dedicated cleaning and disinfection system with industry-standard hygiene. It is safe and efficient to use the same packaging multiple times,” explains Espen.

“Our customers rent the packaging, and we handle the rest. We collect, clean and return the products, good as new.”

Control throughout the value chain

The idea behind the system was born in 2019, when the company’s founders were working on food traceability in the salmon aquaculture industry. They discovered that there existed considerable data and control in the value chain up until the fish slaughterhouse, but very limited data later in the process.

“The transport stage proved to be a critical point for both quality and food safety. We realised that there was a lack of data points after the fish had left the processing plant, and we wanted to do something about that,” says Espen.

“With data from the pallets and boxes, you can measure the conditions the fish are actually exposed to during transport, giving you far better control over your products.”

Designed for efficient logistics

CIRCpall and CIRCbox are also designed to optimise space utilisation.  

“The fish box has a larger internal volume than, for example, a polystyrene box, which means you can fit more fish in each unit. At the same time, both boxes and pallets are scaled and shaped for efficient stacking, resulting in better space utilisation in the warehouse, lorry, and container,” Espen explains, adding:

“The pallets weigh less than traditional wooden pallets and are more robust. With higher volume per box, lower weight and smarter stacking, you get more fish in each pallet and fewer vehicles on the road.”

Meeting future requirements

The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requires at least 40 percent of transport packaging to be reusable by 2030. For transport between companies within Norway, the requirement is 100 percent.

“The transition is happening whether you like it or not, and we believe it will pay off to be proactive. We hope and believe that our solution will make it easier for the industry to meet the requirements in a safe, efficient and profitable way,” Espen concludes.

The winner of the 2025 Innovation Award will be announced during the Opening Ceremony at Aqua Nor, Tuesday, August 19^th at 11:30 am – 12:20 pm.