Questions buyers ask before their first order采购方首单前常问的问题

Dry fish scale contains a large mineral fraction, mainly calcium phosphate. Demineralization — also called decalcification — removes that fraction under controlled acid conditions, then neutralizes and rinses the material, leaving the collagen matrix intact. The result, often traded as fish ossein, is close to pure protein once moisture is deducted, typically ≥90% crude protein on a dry basis with ash below 1%.

For an extraction plant the practical difference is yield and cleanliness: more collagen recovered per tonne of feedstock, less acid consumed downstream, and less mineral sludge to filter out.

Both yield Type I collagen and both are used at industrial scale. Fish skin is the larger established source and generally hydrolyzes with slightly less pre-treatment. Scale-derived material is typically lower in fat, which simplifies decolourization and deodorization, and demineralized scale arrives at the extraction step with the mineral load already removed.

In practice the decision is driven by your existing process, target odour profile and cost per kilogram of recovered protein rather than by the source alone. We can quote both and share indicative yields for your process.

Four numbers separate most offers: moisture (typically ≤15%), ash (≤1% for well-demineralized material), total nitrogen (≥15%) and pH (near neutral, 5.0–7.0). Then check the test method behind each figure, whether protein is stated on a dry or as-received basis, and whether the values come from a batch COA or a generic sales sheet.

Ask for the species and origin as well. Freshwater and marine species behave differently in hydrolysis and some destination markets require species declaration on import documents.

It is Type I marine collagen that has been broken down by food-grade proteases into short peptide chains, then filtered, sterilized and spray dried into powder. Hydrolysis is what makes the material instantly soluble in cold water and absorbable as small peptides rather than as bulk protein.

Our standard grade is ≥90% protein on a dry basis with an average molecular weight of 1,000–3,000 Da; a 500–2,000 Da low-molecular-weight grade is available for clear beverages and high-dose formats.

Use the format to decide. For powders, capsules, tablets and gummies, 1,000–3,000 Da is the normal specification and usually the better cost position. For clear ready-to-drink beverages, shots and high-dosage sachets, a 500–2,000 Da grade generally gives better clarity, lower viscosity and a cleaner mouthfeel.

Lower molecular weight is not automatically better for every application — it can shift taste and hygroscopicity. We recommend testing both grades in your own matrix before fixing the specification.

Yes — fish scale and skin collagen is predominantly Type I, the collagen type that dominates human skin, bone and tendon. Because it is fish-derived it contains no porcine or bovine material, which is why marine collagen is often specified for Halal, Kosher-adjacent and pescatarian positioning.

We hold Halal certification and supply the current certificate with the order documents. Fish is a declarable allergen in most markets — allergen labelling remains the responsibility of the finished-product brand owner.

HACCP, HALAL, ISO, US FDA food facility registration and BRCGS. Copies with scope, issuing body and validity dates are shared during sampling, under NDA if you prefer, so your compliance team can review before an order is placed.

If your market requires an additional certificate or audit — for example a customer-specific second-party audit, or documentation for a particular import authority — tell us at the enquiry stage and we will confirm what can be arranged.

Free samples of 100 g are available for laboratory and pilot evaluation; you cover the courier cost. Trial orders start from 100 kg, and we quote 20' FCL and annual contract volumes for established programmes.

Send the target specification with your sample request — protein, molecular weight, mesh, odour requirement and destination market — so the sample we ship is the grade you would actually buy.

Collagen peptide is packed in 20 kg kraft paper bags with a food-grade PE inner liner; demineralized scale is packed in 15 kg PP woven bags or 100 kg jumbo bags with an inner liner. Palletizing, shrink wrap and private label printing are available.

Shelf life is 24–36 months for peptide and 24 months for ossein in unopened original packaging, stored cool, dry and out of direct sunlight.

Production lead time is typically 7–15 working days after order confirmation, depending on grade, packing and volume. We quote FOB Qingdao, CIF and CFR, and arrange sea or air freight and customs documentation.

Qingdao is one of China's main container ports, which keeps sailing options frequent to Europe, North America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Odour is controlled at three points: raw material freshness and fat content, the decolourization and deodorization stage after hydrolysis, and the drying profile. Low-fat, well-washed scale material starts from a better position than poorly handled feedstock.

Because odour is a sensory attribute rather than a single number, we set it against an approved reference sample. Once you approve a sample we hold that sensory grade as part of the contract specification for repeat lots.

Yes. We handle custom molecular weight targets, mesh sizes, single-species runs, tightened microbiology or heavy metal limits, and customer-specific COA formats. Private label bag printing and carton artwork are available for regular volumes.

Send your specification sheet and, if you have one, your incumbent supplier's COA. Matching against a real COA is faster and more reliable than working from a written target alone.