The European Fat Processors and Renderers Association (EFPRA) has called on European Union regulators to revise existing animal feed regulations to allow a wider range of processed animal proteins in feed products, particularly for the aquaculture industry. The proposed changes could provide access to an estimated 1.2 million tonnes of additional protein annually, helping address growing concerns over the availability of conventional marine-based feed ingredients.
The proposal comes as global aquaculture production continues to expand, increasing demand for fishmeal and fish oil. With wild fish stocks facing sustainability constraints and supply disruptions affecting major fishing regions, the industry is increasingly exploring alternative protein sources to support long-term feed production.
In a newly released whitepaper, EFPRA argues that processed animal proteins derived from ruminants, including cattle and sheep, could play an important role in reducing the protein supply gap while improving resource efficiency across the livestock and aquaculture industries.
Growing Aquaculture Demand Intensifies Fishmeal Supply Concerns
Fishmeal and fish oil remain important ingredients in commercial aquaculture feed formulations because of their nutritional value and contribution to fish growth and development.
According to a 2025 Rabobank analysis cited in the report, approximately 90% of global fishmeal production and up to 70% of fish oil production are used by the aquaculture sector.
However, the growing demand for farmed seafood is creating pressure on the availability of these marine-derived ingredients. Wild-capture fisheries, which supply most of the raw materials used in fishmeal and fish oil production, are already operating close to sustainable harvesting limits in several regions.
Supply challenges have also been influenced by environmental conditions. El Niño events, for example, have affected Peru’s anchovy fishery, one of the world’s important sources of raw material for fishmeal production.
Consequently, aquaculture feed manufacturers are increasingly investigating alternative ingredients, including insect meal, algae and other sustainable protein sources, to reduce their dependence on conventional marine resources.
EFPRA Proposes Greater Use of Processed Animal Proteins
EFPRA believes that rendered animal byproducts represent an underutilised source of high-quality protein for animal feed production.
The association is particularly advocating changes to restrictions governing ruminant processed animal proteins (PAPs). Under current EU regulations, these ingredients are prohibited from being used in feed for non-ruminant animals, including aquaculture species.
Removing this restriction under appropriately controlled conditions could make approximately 1.2 million tonnes of additional protein available to feed manufacturers, according to EFPRA.
The association’s members currently produce nearly 3 million tonnes of feed-grade protein meal annually. EFPRA Technical Director Martin Alm argues that allowing additional applications for these products would enable the rendering industry to contribute more effectively towards addressing Europe’s growing demand for alternative feed proteins.
The proposal also highlights the potential benefits of improving the utilisation of animal byproducts generated through existing livestock production and meat-processing operations.
EU Regulatory Restrictions Create Challenges for Protein Supply
EFPRA has expressed concern that the European Commission’s new Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan does not adequately recognise animal byproducts as a potential source of protein for animal feed.
The association also points to an imbalance in Europe’s protein trade. The EU reportedly exports approximately 30% of its feed-grade animal proteins while continuing to import other protein ingredients, including soy, to satisfy domestic demand.
According to EFPRA, these restrictions place European processors at a competitive disadvantage compared with producers in regions where a wider range of animal-derived feed ingredients can be utilised.
The association argues that modernising regulations could strengthen the European protein supply chain, reduce dependence on imported ingredients and improve the competitiveness of domestic rendering businesses.
However, any regulatory changes would need to maintain strict controls over animal health, processing standards, traceability and food safety.
Rendering Industry Highlights Sustainability and Circular Economy Benefits
The proposed regulatory changes could also support the wider circular economy within the livestock sector.
Rendering converts suitable animal byproducts into valuable materials, including protein meals and fats, which can be used in different industrial and agricultural applications.
Expanding permitted feed applications could improve the utilisation of existing resources and reduce the amount of potentially valuable protein material going unused in animal nutrition.
For the dairy and wider livestock industries, this development is particularly relevant because cattle and sheep processing generate byproducts that could potentially contribute to alternative feed ingredient production under an appropriate regulatory framework.
EFPRA maintains that Europe’s existing processing and sourcing standards provide a strong foundation for considering additional applications without compromising animal health or consumer protection.
Future Implications for European Feed and Aquaculture Industries
The debate over processed animal proteins reflects a broader challenge facing the global feed industry: securing sufficient quantities of affordable, sustainable and nutritionally suitable ingredients as livestock and aquaculture production expands.
While insect meal, algae and plant-based proteins continue to attract investment, rendered animal proteins could provide another potential component of diversified feed formulations.
EFPRA is urging EU policymakers to reconsider existing restrictions and recognise the contribution that animal byproducts could make towards strengthening European protein independence.
The outcome of this regulatory discussion could have significant implications for rendering companies, livestock processors, feed manufacturers and aquaculture producers. Greater flexibility in the use of processed animal proteins could help establish a more resource-efficient feed supply chain while supporting the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Europe’s livestock and aquaculture sectors.
