Contain the Freshness

The transport and preservation of fish catch can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining the quality and freshness of the catch. Borgarplast is an Icelandic company that specializes in producing highquality insulated containers for the fishing industry. The company was founded in 1980 and has since become a leading provider of insulated fish bins in Iceland and abroad. Borgarplast’s fish containers are designed to keep the temperature of the catch constant, thus preventing the growth of bacteria and preserving the quality of the fish.

“We were the first to start manufacturing insulated Polyethylene plastic tubs back in 1986. These are double walled tubs with insulation that keep catch fresh for longer,” says Kristján Benediktsson, Borgarplast’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “We’ve been producing these ever since. Today our insulated tubs are in use all over the world, from Scandinavia to Turkey.”

A network of sales and service providers supports the company in local markets, “Our agents around the world support our service and provide local support for maintenance and repairs if and when needed,” says Benediktsson. “We have a strong working relationship with our agents and our clients, some of whom have been with us from the very beginning.”

Keep catch fresh and protected during transport and storage

Borgarplast produces a wide range of tubs and bins for fish and seafood. Their containers are designed to be durable, flexible, and environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for the fishing industry. Made from shock-proof and resistant material, the tubs are designed to withstand the demands of the fishing industry.

“Operators in the fish industry have different requirements and our goal is to provide the right container for our client’s needs,” says Benediktsson. “We offer tubs with either Polyurethane (PUR) or Polyethylene (PE) insulation in a range of sizes for different fish and seafood needs. The most commonly used are the 460 and 660 for whitefish but we also produce anything from the smallest 300 tub to the large 1400 tubs used for tuna.” Whether transporting fish across the country or across the ocean, these containers provide the protection and preservation needed to keep the catch fresh from start to finish.

Different insulation for different needs

Borgarplast’s high insulation bulk containers are an ideal choice for preserving the freshness and maximizing the value of seafood that needs to be preserved on ice or liquid ice. The two types of insulation offered by the company have different qualities. Polyethylene (PE) is fully recyclable, heavier, stronger and can be stacked higher on land while the tubs with Polyurethane (PUR) are lighter, keep low temperatures for longer and are more suitable for large volumes of tubs needed on board fishing vessels or in warmer climates where external heat plays a larger role in preservation measures. The high insulation properties ensure that the contents of the containers are maintained at a constant temperature, even as low as -18°C if necessary.

Rigorous testing

“Our R&D department has carried out rigorous testing on both durability and temperature maintenance and the results are consistent,” explains Benediktsson. “If you need reliable loading, high stacking storage, fast transport and great insulation your needs are best met with our PE range. If you need bulk, long storage time and flexibility I would recommend the PUR range. Either way, your fish will be well protected from the minute it lands in the tub and until it is ready for processing.”

Unique convex bottom design

The unique convex bottom design of the tubs prevents the bottom from dropping due to the weight of the contents. This distributes evenly the weight to the corners, eliminating the need for a third skid in the middle. This design also provides easier drainage, making it easier to clean and maintain the tubs. “The tubs have a very smooth surface to prevent bacteria from concentrating anywhere,” says Benediktson. “We emphasize the hygienic design of all our products. The innovative convex bottom and the curved surfaces make the tubs easy to clean and the strategic drainage holes boost hygiene even further.”

Hygienic and easy to handle and clean

The tubs are easy to repair and maintain. They are made from highquality materials that are resistant to impact, chemical damage and UV rays. The containers are designed with reinforced corners and sides for added strength, making them suitable for use in harsh outdoor environments. Tight-fitting lids are also available to ensure that the catch stays fresh for as long as possible.

“When speaking to our customers I have been very happy to hear that our containers carry far less maintenance costs than the average insulated plastic bulk containers from other companies,” says Benediktsson. “It is also very easy to repair the bins if necessary and our agents are equipped to provide repair services on site.”

Quality that lasts – even decades

Fish containers go through a lot of handling during every haul. Again and again, they are banged, stacked, turned and loaded having to withstand both forklift handling and rough conditions. One of the key benefits of Borgarplast’s containers is their durability and longevity. They are built to last, withstanding the impact of rough waters and rough handling, ensuring that the catch remains protected throughout the transportation process.

“Our containers are designed to be sturdy, durable and maintain the quality of the catch in even the roughest conditions,” says Benediktsson. “Our fish bins outlast the competition by several years. In general, we see them last for decades with good care and one of our oldest customers is still using the original containers they acquired from us in 1991, adding more as their operation has expanded. They’ve tried bins from other manufacturers over the years but have been so impressed with the low maintenance, durability and quality of our bins that they have kept to them.”

Sustainable, eco-friendly and reliable

Borgarplast’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a top priority. Their mission is to create innovative and eco-friendly products that not only meet the needs of their customers but also minimize their own carbon footprint.

“Our containers are made with the latest technology and the safest materials, providing excellent insulation and preservation capabilities,” explains Benediktsson. “Our goal is to increase sustainability in our operations and help our customers maintain product quality while also reducing waste and minimizing our eco-impact.”

Reuse, reduce, recycle

Emphasizing environmentally conscious practices, Borgarplast adheres to strict regulations in the food industry and maintains a strong environmental policy for both their products and company. Their Polyethylene (PE) tubs are 100% recyclable, while their Polyurethane (PUR) tubs are lightweight, saving on transport costs, and helping fishing companies maximize transport volume while minimizing public road wear.

“No recyclable materials are used in our food-grade products, but we recycle PE tubs into other suitable products, including grit bins, tubs, pipes, or pallets for garden, home, and building work,” says Benediktsson. “Even after serving their purpose in the seafood industry, EPS tubs in Iceland often get a new life in farming and construction before being converted into energy by Swedish recycling companies.”

We are at the Icelandic stand at the Barcelona seafood show.