From Borehole Seawater to Sea Salt
LAXEY and Saltey have signed a partnership agreement to use seawater generated as a side stream from LAXEY’s operations for salt production in Vestmannaeyjar. As part of the agreement, Saltey’s operations will be located at LAXEY’s smolt facility, where the seawater will be processed into high-quality food-grade sea salt.
One Process, Two Products
The partnership is based on Saltey using the seawater generated during freshwater production at LAXEY’s smolt facility. In the process, borehole seawater is passed through a reverse osmosis (RO) system, separating out freshwater for use in smolt production. The remaining seawater, which until now has largely been an underutilised side stream of the process, will now be used by Saltey to produce high-quality sea salt flakes.
The partnership brings together two family-owned companies in Vestmannaeyjar and demonstrates how better utilisation of resources can create value across different operations. From clean borehole seawater, LAXEY produces freshwater for smolt production, while the remaining seawater becomes a valuable raw material for Saltey’s salt production.
“We are very pleased to begin this partnership with Saltey. It gives us an opportunity to make better use of the resources generated through our operations while at the same time supporting local production and value creation in our community,” says Daði Pálsson, CEO of LAXEY.
Local Growth and Value Creation
Growing demand for Saltey’s products has created a need to expand its operations, and the partnership aligns well with the company’s future growth plans. In addition to securing access to high-quality raw material, Saltey will locate its operations at LAXEY’s smolt facility, where the salt will be processed and finished.
“This partnership allows us to meet growing demand for our products in a more sustainable way, using a local raw material originating from clean borehole seawater in Vestmannaeyjar. We see significant opportunities in this collaboration and look forward to working with LAXEY in the years ahead,” says Leifur Jóhannesson, co-owner of Saltey.
Through the agreement, LAXEY further strengthens its focus on circular resource use and improved utilisation of side streams, while Saltey gains access to a local raw material that is well suited to its production of high-quality sea salt flakes.
The partnership also supports continued development, innovation and value creation in Vestmannaeyjar.
