Sustainable Collagen

Friend of the Sea is a leading international certification scheme for sustainable products. As the standard owner, we provide a rigorous framework for marine and land-animal collagen producers to prove their commitment to environmental stewardship, circular economy principles, and social accountability.

Friend of the Sea Collagen Standard

Our standard goes beyond simple sourcing; it evaluates the entire life cycle of collagen production to minimize the ecological footprint.

1. Sustainable Sourcing (Marine & Land)

We ensure that every gram of raw material is traceable to a sustainable origin:

  1. Marine Collagen: Must originate from Friend of the Sea certified fisheries or aquaculture (or recognized equivalents like MSC/ASC). Species must not be listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  2. Land-Animal (Bovine) Collagen: Must be sourced from Friend of the Earth certified farms or equivalents. We enforce a Zero Deforestation policy, requiring proof that pastures were not converted from forests post-2020.
  3. Human Consumption Fit: All hides and skins must come exclusively from animals deemed fit for human consumption, verified by veterinary health certificates.

2. Clean Production & Energy Efficiency

The extraction process is held to high environmental benchmarks:

  1. Energy Monitoring: Producers must map every energy source used in extraction and maintain a formal 3-5 year energy efficiency plan.
  2. Water Stewardship: We require constant monitoring of wastewater quality (BOD, COD, and Solids). As an important goal, facilities should strive for 75% water recycling.
  3. Hazardous Substance Management: Strict protocols for the storage and disposal of acids and enzymes, ensuring zero-tolerance for environmental release.

3. Circular Economy & Waste Valorization

We promote the “zero waste” philosophy by requiring a circular management plan:

  1. 95% Valorization Goal: Certified producers must commit to recovering, reusing, or recycling at least 95% of incoming raw materials within three years of their first audit.

Choose Friend of the Sea Certified Sustainable Collagen

By adopting our standard, collagen producers and brand owners gain:

  • Global Recognition: Use of the Friend of the Sea logo, a trusted symbol of environmental integrity.
  • Market Leadership: Alignment with global demands for deforestation-free and ocean-friendly supplements.
  • Verified Transparency: A clear, audited path from the source (sea or farm) to the final consumer product.

Apply for Friend of the Sea Certification of Sustainable

Request a quotation for Friend of the Sea Certification of Sustainable Collagen Your Company can request for a quotation for audit and royalties to use the Friend of the Sea registered trademark logo, by filling out the online Preliminary Information Form.

PIF for Sustainable Collagen

PIF for Sustainable Collagen
  • All the information will be kept strictly confidential and implies NO commitment on your company’s part.
  • The Friend of the Sea certification is voluntary and NOT mandatory to gain access to markets.
  • The application process is NOT discriminatory on size, scale, management and minimum number of operators.
  • Friend of the Sea is a NGO and it strives to make participation in the audits affordable for all companies.
  • Please, contact us for more information on Government funding which might be available in your Country for sustainability certifications:info@friendofthesea.org

Standards for Certification

Collagen Standard