Health and wellness products retailer Holland & Barrett has announced it has begun the process of phasing out all krill-based products from its offering.
The aim of the business is to help its customers transition to more sustainable alternatives, acknowledging the environmental benefits of protecting krill.
Holland & Barrett has informed all of its suppliers of the new commitment to fully exit the krill-based products category by April 2026. From January 2026, Holland & Barrett will only sell through its existing krill stock, with a planned complete exit from the category by April.
Krill are small shrimp-like crustaceans, and Antarctic krill are a key species in the food chain, supporting seals, whales, penguins and other marine life. Environmental not-for-profit group WWF calls them “one of nature’s smallest superheroes”.
Antarctic krill also feed on phytoplankton which absorb carbon dioxide, and play a wider role in preventing carbon entering the atmosphere.
Jessica Long, sustainability & impact director at Holland & Barrett, remarked: “Our decision to exit krill products is part of our ongoing journey to become a more sustainable, nature-positive business that protects the ecosystems we all depend on.
“This move is part of our wider sustainability commitment – from sourcing and labelling products responsibly, to reducing waste, switching to renewables and improving energy efficiency across our stores, logistics and operations.”
As part of the krill-based products phase-out, Holland & Barrett is supporting not-for-profit organisation Sea Shepherd calling for stronger protections for krill and Antarctic ecosystems.
“By echoing support for Sea Shepherd’s vital work and helping customers choose more ocean-friendly alternatives, we’re taking another meaningful step towards a future where people and nature can thrive together – because true wellness doesn’t stop at the body; it starts at the source – and with the world we share,” noted Long.
“We hope our action inspires greater understanding and appreciation of the need to protect the fragile ecosystems that underpin global wellness.”
During this transition period, the retailer will actively support customers with education and guidance on sustainable krill alternatives.
Peter Hammarstedt, campaign director for Sea Shepherd Global, said: “For the past three years, our annual ship expeditions to the Antarctica have documented the growing conflict between whales and super trawlers as the two compete for krill, the primary food source for whales, penguins and seals.
“We have been waiting a long time for a major retailer to take action and to do the right thing when it comes to Antarctic protection and the krill fishery. We welcome Holland & Barrett’s decision to cease all krill product sales, and we call for other retailers to do the same.”
Read more about Holland & Barrett on Green Retail World
[image credit: Green Retail World]
