From Festival Coins to Food Safety Labels in the Fisheries Industry

VanDerEng: From Festival Coins to Food Safety Labels in the Fisheries Industry

Anyone who knows VanDerEng probably thinks of our labels and tags for horticulture, or our festival coins and wristbands for the event industry. But did you know that we have also been active in the fishing industry for over 130 years?

Our roots go back to 1894, when we started with wooden labels for the fish auction in IJmuiden. We have since grown into a leading producer of labels and tags for the European food industry. Food safety, sustainability and innovation are in our DNA – a tradition of craftsmanship that has lived on for generations.

Why food safety labels are crucial in the fishing industry

In fishing, everything revolves around quality and traceability. Producers must be able to guarantee where their fish comes from and under what conditions it was caught. Our food-safe labels play an essential role in this.

VanDerEng supplies sustainable Duraflex products in various thicknesses (150, 250, 400 to 1500 mu), complete with the necessary certifications. Because our printing ribbon is also food safe, our labels can come into direct contact with fresh products such as fish, meat and vegetables. But how far does our expertise in fishing extend? Let's zoom in on a special type of fish: Skrei, the king of cod.

Skrei: A king deserves a royal label

Skrei is not just any cod. Its name is derived from the Norwegian word spread, which means 'traveller'. And rightly so: Skrei travels over 800 kilometres every year, from the icy Barents Sea to the warmer Lofoten to spawn.

This long and arduous journey, with little food to be found, produces unique meat: firm, chalk-white and loved by chefs worldwide for its delicate, soft flavour. Skrei feeds mainly on mackerel, shrimp and squid along the way, which contributes to its characteristic texture and flavour. Not every cod can call itself a Skrei, just as not every beef is a Wagyu. To be a Skrei, the Skrei must meet strict standards. The fishing season runs from January to April only and is strictly regulated by the Norwegian government. Since December 2023, Skrei has once again been certified with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) quality mark, which guarantees that this fish is caught in a sustainable way, with minimal impact on the ecosystem.

A label that guarantees quality

In order to distinguish Skrei from 'regular' cod and to guarantee the quality, the Norwegian government has developed a special label in cooperation with the fishery. This label gives fishermen, distributors and consumers certainty about the origin and authenticity of the fish. VanDerEng is proud that we are allowed to produce these food-safe labels. Our labels are made of Duraflex 600 mu (0.6 mm thick) and have a special hook, so that they can be placed safely in the gill of the fish without coming loose. Of course, the labels are completely food-safe and sustainable. This label is more than an identification mark; it contributes to the traceability and reputation of this special fish. Thanks to the high-quality materials and smart attachment, Skrei gets the recognition it deserves.

More than a century of innovation in labels

From festival tokens and labels to food-safe labels for the fishing industry – VanDerEng continues to innovate. Innovate in our products and production processes. Our expertise in sustainable, reliable and safe labels ensures that food products find their way to consumers throughout Europe with pride and certainty.

Want to know more about our labels for the fishing and food industry? Contact Contact with us and discover how we can contribute to the traceability and quality of your products.