Category: News

Rekstrarfélagið Eskja took the lead in a project to investigate whether it was possible to improve water use in fish processing. The preliminary project included basic information on water use in fish processing as well as organic substances lost in the wastewater.

With improved water use, it is possible to achieve operational efficiency and increase the value of production by utilizing by-products from the effluent from processing water. Water consumption in Iceland is much higher than in neighboring countries. Regulations impose stricter conditions with increased restrictions on waste disposal and waste of water. Requirements and regulations will be stricter when it comes to water use and discharge of wastewater after the implementation period of the Water Framework Directive enters into force in 2016. With the introduction of improved procedures and installation of equipment, water use can be significantly reduced and the use of raw materials for fish processing increased.

The status of knowledge was examined with respect to the aforementioned factors to analyze the benefits of clean production technology in fish processing. With clean production technology in mind, methods and proposals for improvements in processing processes with an emphasis on catfish processing - which are accessible in Matís report 39-12. The results of this project indicate that more can be done to reduce water waste and utilize the organic matter lost in the effluent.

Increased savings or increased profitability in operations can involve improved water use as a result of investing in new equipment and improved work processes. It can be expected that equipment manufacturers will be able to work on developing cost-effective solutions for fish processing. It can be assumed that a lot of work is being done to isolate the by-products that are lost with local processing water.

For further information Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, Head of Resources and Products.

The main objective of the project Simulation of cooling processes - thermodynamic simulation of processing and transport processes, which began in June 2008, was to improve procedures and equipment for processing and transport of marine products.

Cooling of fresh fish supplemented with heat transfer models

The project used process analysis, experiments and computerized thermal and hydrological models to achieve the set goals. The consequences of improved temperature control in processing and transport processes are increased quality, stability and safety, which at the same time increase the value of the product. Partners in the project were Matís, the University of Iceland, Promens Tempra, Eimskip Ísland, Samherji, Brim (ÚA), Festi and Eskja.

Examples of the project's products are heat transfer models of fresh fish products in a foam box, which make it possible to predict fish temperatures based on environmental temperature history. Heat transfer models were used to redesign the Promens Tempra 3, 5 and 7 kg foam boxes with a minimum of the highest fish temperature in the boxes under the target heat load. Experiments confirmed the superiority of the new boxes over traditional box types, both in terms of temperature control and product quality under heat load. The new round foam boxes have replaced the older types of Promens Tempra foam boxes (see Figure 1) and have thus increased the competitiveness of Icelandic fresh fish products, especially those transported by air. The results of another experiment show that the shelf life of fresh fish fillets in corner boxes of whole pallets in the air transport chain can be about 1 - 1.5 days shorter than fillets in boxes in the middle of the pallet stack. Heat distribution in different cooling chains was mapped and special emphasis was placed on pre-cooling fillets for packing and heat distribution in different types of cooling containers with different loading patterns. The results of the project have not only benefited air transport chains, but they have also further contributed to increased possibilities for the safe transport of fresh fish products by ship.  

For further information Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, Head of Resources and Products.

The collaborative project Minimization of myocardial infarction in lobster with enzyme inhibition and subcooling has been completed, which was supported by the AVS Fisheries Research Fund (R 052-10). The research project was carried out in collaboration with Skinney Þinganes, Ramm, Vinnslustöðin and Matís.

The results of the project are available in Matís Report 25-11. Among the results of the project were procedural guidelines regarding subcooling and enzyme handling of lobster practices that have strengthened the foundations of lobster fishing in Iceland and thus lobster processing in Iceland. Before embarking on the project, it was found that less than a third and even up to half of the catch, in individual specific cases, had symptoms of myocardial infarction. At the beginning of the project, it was estimated that due to myocardial infarction, the value of lobster products was 10% lower than otherwise. It is the participants' opinion that the new procedure has halved myocardial infarction and there is therefore a likelihood that improved procedures will result in a 5% increase in the value of lobster products, based on the assumptions of the project at the beginning.

Participants stated that without AVS support, the project would not have improved the competitive position of Icelandic lobster processing.

For further information Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, Head of Resources and Products.

The Icelandic web award was presented some time ago at a solemn ceremony in Gamla Bíó. Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, Minister of Industry and Trade, was the guest of honor at the awards ceremony.

The Icelandic Web Award is the harvest festival of the web industry in Iceland, held with the aim of strengthening the industry, rewarding outstanding projects and encouraging those who work in this field to do well. The award was first presented in 2000 and has grown and prospered with each passing year.

This time, awards were given in 14 categories, but the number of categories reflects the breadth of the projects that the web industry in Iceland is involved in.

Matís website chosen as the best website in the category "Best public website" and Matís members are incredibly proud of this award. At the top of my mind is gratitude to Hugsmiðjan for a very good collaboration and to the jury for choosing www.matis.is the best website in this category.

The opinion of the jury is particularly interesting as the employees have worked together since the establishment of Matís to show that the company is strong in the field of research and consulting in the food and biotechnology industry, there is a fun atmosphere and you can feel great "dynamics" in all the company's work. all things that enable the business to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Jury opinion:

"The best public website

To the great satisfaction of the jury, the competition for the best public website was fierce and there were many outstanding candidates. The site that was voted the best public site is attractive, fun and interesting and delivers the content well. The setup on the website is simple but user-friendly and managed to connect with the user in a way that many public institutions are hesitant to use, but delivers the service and information to the user much better than the stripped down "bureau-speak" institutional websites of the past.

The best official website is: www.matis.is. The partner is Hugsmiðjan "

It is known that if Icelanders are to handle a similar proportion of farmed fish products as we have obtained, it can be estimated that two hundred times as much aquaculture production is needed in this country. Global demand for aquaculture products, food originating in either fresh water or salty sea is expected to increase globally. The increased demand will drive increased production, new solutions and better utilization.

Research on the environmental impact of food value chains is and will be important in the future, as with an ever-increasing population, the strain on the earth's resources and the growing environmental impact, radical changes and new approaches to production methods are needed.

Birgir Örn Smárason at Matís has started doctoral studies at the University of Iceland in the field of environmental and resource studies. Birgir's work facilities are in Matís' office in Akureyri in Borgir við Norðurslóð, where emphasis is placed on the sustainable utilization of Arctic resources. Birgir's doctoral studies are in the spirit of the recent framework agreement between Matís and the University of Akureyri, especially on integrating research and development projects in the field of sustainable resource utilization.

The doctoral program aims to analyze the possibility of using new raw materials in fish feed from other types of organic matter than traditional use. Therefore, the environmental impact of the value chain of fisheries and aquaculture will be examined with a life cycle analysis in terms of resource use in comparison with other food production. The analysis of these value chains will be twofold, because with new ideas and solutions in the utilization of resources, it is necessary to have a measurable comparison to assess the effect of changes in the value chains. The development and possibilities of biomaterials in feed will be analyzed based on the utilization of resources, the composition of feed and biology and nutrition, as well as the development of new types of feed.

One of the key factors for prosperity in the future is research and development in the bioeconomy. The bioeconomy refers to the use of limited resources, or non-renewable resources, being minimized or replaced by the use of renewable resources, sustainable living and production where materials and energy are renewed as fast as we use them. Strengthening the global bioeconomy has positive consequences, such as economic growth and job creation in rural areas, reduced use and demand for fossil fuels, improved food security and improved economic and environmental sustainability of primary production and production companies, as well as better ensuring the continued existence of the environment.

For further information Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, division manager of Resources and Products at Matís.

Iceland is playing a leading role in a new multinational project funded by the 7th European Research Program, valued at ISK 943 million (EUR 6 million).

MareFrame project: "Co-creating Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Solutions"

Matís and University of Iceland play a leading role in a new large-scale multinational project that the 7th European Research Program has decided to fund for four years. The short title of the project is MareFrame and has the English title: "Co-creating Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Solutions“. The grant amounts to EUR 6 million, but the total cost of the project is EUR 7.8 million. Iceland's share in the project amounts to approximately ISK 275 million, which will be divided between Matís, the University of Iceland and the Marine Research Institute. The grant is one of the largest project grants awarded in Europe in this field.

Matís is the project manager of MareFrame, which means that Matís is responsible for, among other things, managing the project's progress and communication with funders. All funding goes to Matís, which then pays its domestic and foreign partners. There is a lot of competition for research grants from the 7th research program. MareFrame received 14 points out of 15 possible in the opinion of the professional committee, which is a great result. With this, Icelandic scientists become even more established in international scientific collaboration.

The MareFrame project will develop a multi-stock fisheries management system and find ways to facilitate its implementation in Europe. Emphasis is placed on ecological, sustainable, social and economic management. Emphasis is also placed on co-operation with fishermen, fishing companies and processing, as well as other stakeholders involved in fisheries management.

Three out of every four fish stocks in the European Union are overfished today, of which 47% are in the Atlantic and 80% are in the Mediterranean, so there is a great need for new ways of managing fisheries. The European Union's fisheries policy is under review and, among other things, ways are being sought to curb overfishing.

One of the goals of the MareFrame project is to build on what has been successful in fisheries management, including the use of the Icelandic multi-stock model "Gadget"Which is also used widely abroad. At the same time, there is increased co-operation with those involved in fishing and processing in the fisheries sector, as well as other stakeholders in the development of fisheries management systems, which is a key factor in the implementation of the fisheries management system. MareFrame will, among other things, develop visual interfaces, computer games and computer-assisted learning techniques to present results and management methods, which learning techniques are partly the result of Icelandic research.

The MareFrame project involves a total of 28 institutions, companies and universities in 10 European countries (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Romania, Norway and Iceland) as well as researchers from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Anna Kristín Daníelsdóttir, division manager at Matís, is the project manager and dr. Gunnar Stefánsson, professor at the Faculty of Science at the University of Iceland, is the scientific project manager.

The inaugural meeting of the MareFrame project will be held at Matís' premises in Reykjavík on 11 - 13 February 2014.

Matís, Matvælastofnun (MAST) and the Ministry of Industry and Innovation yesterday invited a consultation meeting on safe food | Consumer protection and business interests

Safe foods | Consumer protection and business interests

The meeting held at Sjávarútvegshúsið Skúlagata 4 was extremely good, as well as the same kind of meeting that Matvælastofnun offered in the afternoon in Selfoss. Both meetings were full of people and a great and good discussion ensued. The purpose of these consultation meetings was to present the Safe Food project and discuss the state of food safety in Iceland.

The Safe Foods project was originally part of the IPA plan for Iceland's accession negotiations with the EU, but has now been launched in the form of a bilateral project between the German and Icelandic governments. The status of food security in Iceland will be discussed in the light of being able to sell food both domestically and on the international market. Meeting guests will be given the opportunity to present their views and questions in a panel discussion at the end of the meeting.

The Safe Food project is intended to ensure food safety and protect Icelandic consumers. The project enables the Icelandic authorities, the Food Administration and the municipal health inspectorate to better enforce legislation on food safety and consumer protection. Safe food is developed in collaboration with Matís, Matvælastofnun, the Ministry of Industry and Innovation, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES) in Germany.

The Safe Foods project will undoubtedly be a great springboard for Icelandic consumers, regulators and not least for producers and retailers. Consumers want more information about the substances that are and are not in the foods they consume and manufacturers and retailers also want this information to further increase consumer confidence in their products.

Further information can be found in the document Safe foods | Actions and yields and at Margrét Björk Sigurðardóttir from Matvælastofnun (MAST) and at Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir from Matís.

The Future Days of the Universities 2014 will be held on February 5 in Sólinn at Reykjavík University between 11-16.

As usual, Matís will have a large booth and will present his activities throughout the day.

Further information can be found at Framadaga website and at Jón Haukur Arnarson, Matís' human resources manager or Steinar B. Aðalbjörnsson, Matís' marketing manager.

About Framadaga

Framadagar is an annual event in university life where some of the country's leading companies present their activities to university students. The AIESEC student organization organizes Future Days every year. The Future Days of the Universities in 2014 will be held at Reykjavík University on Wednesday 5 February from 11-16. Students from all universities in the country come to the place to get to know the human resources managers of the country's main companies - and hopefully if they are lucky - apply for a job.

Future days 2014

This year, 60 exciting companies have announced their arrival and many lectures have been scheduled. Here you can view the brochure Framadaga 2014.

The co-operation agreement is based on a draft agreement (MoU) signed by the United Nations University-Fisheries Training Program and Nha Trang University (NTU) on 30 May 2013. Matís and Nha Trang University's Food Science Agreement stipulates a five-year co-operation (2013 -2018).

The NTU Food Science Department was established in Vietnam in 1959. Over the past 50 years, the department has built up extensive research and teaching expertise and has graduated more than 5,000 food engineers, more than 1,000 food scientists (BSc) and hundreds of technical experts in fisheries and food science. NTU collaborates with over 300 companies in Vietnam and the university's contribution to the development of food production in the country is very large.

NTU's Food Science Department has about 60 employees, of which 90% have a master's or doctoral degree. Many of them have been educated in Japan, France, Iceland, Norway, Australia, Russia and beyond. There are now more than 3,000 students at the Faculty of Food Science at all levels, from students in technological development to doctoral students.

Matís is very pleased to announce a collaboration with Nha Trang University in the knowledge that the collaboration will be successful.

For more information Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís.

Stefán B. Sigurðsson, Rector of the University of Akureyri, Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, and Ögmundur Knútsson, President of the School of Business and Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, recently signed a co-operation agreement.

The agreement lays the foundation for further strengthening of research and education in fisheries sciences, food sciences and biotechnology as well as collaboration in other areas of teaching and research, with the aim of being at the forefront in Iceland in the fields related to fisheries sciences and biotechnology, both taught at the University of Akureyri. One of the aims of the agreement is to strengthen teaching and research in the field of fisheries science, food science and biotechnology, among other things through access to international funds and co-operation in the field of utilization of Arctic resources.

Its goal is also to increase the number of people studying and researching in these fields, integrate research and development projects in the field of sustainable resource utilization, processing technology, biotechnology, food safety and public health, to mobilize more Matís employees in teaching at the University of Akureyri and give Matís employees the opportunity to to receive a professional academic evaluation from the University of Akureyri / School of Business and Natural Sciences and the possibility of visiting teaching positions, as articles will be published under the auspices of both parties, as well as sharing facilities, facilities and equipment.

The University of Akureyri is an Icelandic research university that takes an active part in international research. The university has about 1600 students in undergraduate and graduate studies, in on-site and distance learning. Fisheries science has been taught at the University of Akureyri since 1990 and biotechnology since 2002. The subjects are now taught at the Faculty of Natural Resources and the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, which has also offered master's studies in fisheries and resource studies. Due to the nature of the study, teaching in fisheries science has from the beginning been carried out in collaboration with domestic fisheries companies and companies in related disciplines.

Matís is the largest research institute in the country that conducts research and innovation in the field of food and biotechnology for the benefit of the economy, public health and food and food security. Matís plays an extensive role in services in the field of research, education and innovation. Emphasis has been placed on meeting the needs of food producers and entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the education system, among other things in the form of practical projects with the participation of students.

The picture shows Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, Ögmundur Knútsson, President of the School of Business and Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, Rannveig Björnsdóttir, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Natural Resources at the University of Akureyri and Director of Matís, and Stefán B. Sigurðsson, Rector of the University of Akureyri.

_{News written by Hjalti Þór Sveinsson and first published on the website of the University of Akureyri, www.unak.is.}