FISHING METHODS
At Espinaler, corporate sustainability and sustainable resource management is a fundamental pillar of our philosophy. We believe that care for the environment and social development go hand in hand with business success.
That is why we are committed to supporting traditional and artisanal fishing in Galicia, which respects the marine ecosystem and contributes to the development of local communities.
IMPORTANCE OF ARTISANAL FISHING
1
PRESERVATION OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
Artisanal fishing, with its traditional and selective methods, minimises the impact on marine ecosystems, unlike industrial fishing which can be more aggressive towards the environment.
2
PRODUCT
QUALITY
La pesca artesanal proporciona pescado y marisco fresco de alta calidad, capturado con técnicas que preservan su frescura y sabor.
3
LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT
Artisanal fishing contributes to the local economy, generating employment and establishing populations in coastal communities.
4
LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT
Artisanal fishing methods use less energy and produce less waste than industrial fishing.
5
PROMOTION OF CULTURE
AND TRADITIONS
Artisanal fishing is part of Galicia’s cultural heritage, and its support contributes to preserving the traditions and way of life of coastal communities.
ESPINALER’S SUSTAINABLE
FISHING METHODS
In terms of corporate sustainability, it is not only important to choose the fishing method but also the fisheries.
Less waste
Our fisheries are low-tech, use relatively low levels of energy, are small-scale and involve more human labour. As a result, unlike modern industrial fishing, artisanal fishing produces less waste and puts less stress on fish stocks.
Environmental sustainability
We want to contribute to and maintain local livelihoods as well as to the sustainability of the resources the environment provides us with.
Sustainable fishing
We support sustainable and fair fishing, which is why we guarantee the traceability of the product that reaches consumers.
Passion and involvement
We only work with those who are able to look at the sea with the admiration of those who know that it is generous, but not inexhaustible, and that we have to give it in the measure that it gives us. The fishermen go out every day and do their work close to the coast, no more than 10 miles away.
Artisanal fishing
We support artisanal fishing as the only way to preserve the marine ecosystems of the Galician coasts, and we do not market products from other fishing methods that are aggressive to the marine environment, such as trawling.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTISANAL FISHING ON THE GALICIAN COAST
At Espinaler, we believe that corporate sustainability is key to long-term success. Our commitment to artisanal fishing in Galicia reflects our responsibility to the environment, local communities and future generations.
Our sardine fishermen use a traditional Galician small-scale fishing method called ‘Xeito’.
It involves net curtains suspended by a system of floats and weights to catch the sardines. The fine nets are almost invisible, so the sardines swim involuntarily towards the mesh. The fish become entangled in the net, the nets are removed from the water carrying the caught sardines on board, the removal of which from the net is manual ensuring a firmer flesh, as it is not squashed as in other fishing gears, and a fish with more scales.
This system has a low impact on marine life, as they contain a series of controls that address conservation in sardine fishing in Galicia:
- Monthly and annual catch limits.
- Restrictions on landings of small fish.
- Seasonal closures for conservation purposes.
- Minimum mesh sizes in nets.
- Monitoring, control and recording of catch in local government auctions called ‘Lonxa’.
Espinaler Premium ‘Xeito’ sardines and baby sardines are fished in the Galician Rías Gallegas using ‘el xeito’.
METAL AND RECYCLABLE CASES
The cases and cans of all Espinaler products are 100% recyclable, helping to reduce the environmental impact thanks to sustainable packaging. Sustainability is a decisive purchasing factor and one of today’s major social concerns.
100% RECYCLABLE AND ECOLOGICAL CARDBOARD
The cardboard packaging of our Espinaler Premium and Espinaler Classic cans are sustainable and of responsible packaging, as it is 100% recyclable. This material is an outstanding example of the so-called circular economy. It is also lightweight, economical and easy to handle and transport. In addition, our Espinaler Classic range of canned fish and seafood is presented in a recycled cardboard box, promoting not only recycling, but also contributing to the reduction of tree felling, giving paper a second life and reducing waste generation.
As an integral part of our policy of respect for the nature that gives us life and on which we must act in a sustainable way in the reasonable use of the resources it provides us, in 2020 Espinaler began installing solar panels in our work centres.
The project began by installing 56 photovoltaic panels at Espinaler’s logistics and production centre in Argentona (Barcelona), having achieved a reduction in emissions of more than 50 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere for the period 2020-2024.
At the beginning of 2022, the second phase of the installation of photovoltaic panels was launched, consisting of 158 new solar panels at the headquarters in Vilassar de Mar (Barcelona). This second phase of photovoltaic energy harnessing has enabled us to achieve a reduction in emissions of more than 100 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere by 2024.
Both photovoltaic projects have allowed us, through the reduction of CO2 waste emitted into the air, to achieve the equivalent of having planted almost 150 trees.
Espinaler is committed to reducing plastic consumption and thus mitigating the impact on the environment. We are working on our packaging to reduce the amount of plastic to a minimum.
In our shops and taverns we have replaced plastic bags with 100% biodegradable bags (PBAT/PLA blown extrusion), certified according to the UNE EN 13432 standard, which ensures that they will start to decompose in 18 months, compared to the 150 years it takes for a conventional plastic bag to decompose. We have also made TNT bags available to our customers. These bags are made of a highly resistant material, so they are reusable.
Supporting the Directive 07/2022 and the Royal Decree 1055/2022 on packaging and waste, at Espinaler we promote the use of personalised plastic bags when buying fresh and bulk products in our gourmet shops, as well as in our restaurants, reaffirming once again our commitment to the environment and reducing the use of single-use packaging.
