YOUNG’S Fish for Life programme for sustainable seafood has being named as one of 11 UK winners in the prestigious European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE). Young’s was the only food industry business among the finalists. 

Fish for Life was started by Young’s in 2003 in response to the growing challenges of protecting fish supplies and the marine environment for the long term. It encompasses detailed criteria and a stringent assessment process to ensure that all the fish used by Young’s is responsibly sourced. The Fish for Life logo appears on every Young’s pack.

Certificates were awarded to the companies by Environment Minister, Dan Norris MP at a reception in London last week.

He said: “I want to congratulate all of our 11 winners and wish them every success in the European competition. All of our winners have shown great innovation and invention with new products, processes and systems which provide improved environmental performance and, importantly, value for money for their customers.”

Mark Escolme, managing director of Young’s and Findus UK, said: “Naturally we are absolutely delighted that the quality of our Fish for Life standard has once again been independently recognised. Used as an on-pack label, Fish for Life has the key benefit of providing straightforward consumer reassurance that all Young’s fish – of whatever type – has been responsibly sourced.”

All the UK winners now go forward to next stage of the EBAE Awards and will be assessed alongside the winners from other European countries by a jury which meets in Madrid later this month.

The EBAE awards, which are held every two years, are for companies across Europe that demonstrate a commitment to the environment by introducing pioneering and eco-innovative solutions into their businesses.

The Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) put forward 11 winners from its UK award scheme to be pitched against winners from across the continent in competition for the EBAE awards. The UK has entries in three categories, for management, processes and products, and has more entries than any other member state.