Canning of fish (fremstilling af fiskekonserves)

Denmark, Africa and USA
1990-1995

Fish for human consumption are often canned and cooked before distribution to the market.

Process description

The present data refer to cooking and canning of unspecified fish. The processes in fish canning industry varies significantly depending on traditions, fish species and character of final products. However, the main processes are following: 1) the fresh fish are offloaded at the plant, 2) the skins are eventually removed and the fish are eventually filleted and cut into pieces 3) The fish are pre-cooked in the cans 4) brine, oil or sauce is added, 5) the cans are sealed and autoclaved. Wastewater generated in Danish factories is usually treated in municipal wastewater treatment plants. Solid fish waste generated in Danish factories is usually converted fish meal.

Data collection and treatment

Data have been collected from Danish plants and from a few African and American plants in 1990-95 by Jespersen et al. (2001).

Technical scope

Main processes at the canning factory are included. Packaging is not included

Representativity

The figures vary considerably from factory to factory and from fish specie to fish specie and the present data should only be seen as an order of magnitude.

Validation

Canning of fish has also been studied by Madsen (2001), but the results are not comparable.

Inputs and outputs

Inputs and outputs associated with canning of fish are shown in the table below. Data are provided per 1000 kg fish entering the canning factory.

		Unit	Quantity
Inputs	Fish	kg	1000
	Water	m³	15
	Electricity	kWh	57
	Heat	kWh	113

Outputs	Product
	Canned fish	kg	425
	Emission to municipal wastewater treatment plant
	BOD	kg	52
	COD	kg	116
	Total N	kg	3
	Total P	kg	0.4
	Fish waste to fish meal factory
	Fish cut off and guts	kg	375

Location in database: Processing/Food processing/Canning of fish

References

Jespersen C, Christiansen K and Hummelmose B (2000). Cleaner Production Assessment in Fish Processing. United Nations Environment Programm; Division of Technology, Industry and Economics. Agri-food forum.

Madsen JN (2001). Livscyklusscreening af makrel - en undersøgelse af miljøpåvirkningerne fra hav til bord af en dåse makrel i tomat produceret på Sæby Fiske Industri. Thesis report Aalborg University - Denmark.

Administrative information

Data URL: http://www.lcafood.dk/processes/industry/canningoffish.html
Version no.: 1.00
Authors: Per H. Nielsen 2.-0 LCA Consultants
Data entry: Data have been entered in this format by Per H. Nielsen.
Data completed: July 2003.