Aquagold & Saeplast – Building Quality from the Start

Aquagold & Saeplast – Building Quality from the Start

 

Launching with a Mission

To deliver the freshest, highest-quality shrimp in Latin America, Aquagold needed more than ambition — they needed partners who could match their standards from day one.

When Aquagold began operations in Ecuador, they entered the shrimp processing market with a bold vision: to deliver premium-quality shrimp to global markets, anchored in sustainability and community stewardship. From the outset, the company’s leadership made it clear — quality wasn’t a goal; it was the foundation.

As a new processor in a fast-growing and highly competitive industry, Aquagold knew they would need partners who not only supported but enhanced their commitment to excellence. That’s where Saeplast entered the picture.

A Strategic Start: Shared Values, Lasting Trust

The partnership between Aquagold and Saeplast began in Q4 of 2022, during the initial setup of Aquagold’s operations. At that time, the company had no bins in place. Their procurement team was exploring options that could meet their rigorous standards for hygiene, durability, and sustainability.

Saeplast’s reputation stood out immediately. Known for producing durable, hygienic, and thermally efficient containers, Saeplast aligned with Aquagold’s focus on longevity and environmental responsibility. Our reusable tubs offered an eco-conscious alternative to short-lived competitive local containers, reducing waste and supporting Aquagold’s sustainability goals.

 

 

Product Integration and Smart Choices

Today, Aquagold uses several Saeplast products, including the PUR D660, PE 660, and DP40C-FV pallet. These bins and pallets play crucial roles in their processing workflow:

• Color Coding: Following certification guidelines, Aquagold implemented a color-coded system for safety and hygiene — white bins for ice, blue for product or water, and orange for waste (e.g., shrimp heads).
• Pallet Use: The DP40C-FV pallets are used inside the plant to transport crates of shrimp to the Freeze Brine process efficiently.

These choices underscore their commitment to both operational efficiency and food safety.

Shrimp processors face a relentless challenge: balancing hygiene, efficiency, and sustainability — all while scaling fast. Many solutions fall short. Saeplast’s engineering closes that gap.

 

Competitive Reality: Learning from Experience

Like many fast-scaling businesses, Aquagold faced intense operational pressures. Rapid growth — over 100% capacity increase soon after launch — pushed them to supplement their bin inventory with units from competitors due to budget and availability constraints.

However, during a joint site visit in January, Saeplast discovered that several competitor bins were already delaminating (plastic walls peeling from the insulation core) at the bottom. We highlighted this to the Aquagold team, reinforcing the value and reliability of Saeplast’s build quality.

Every cracked bin or delaminated wall is a hidden cost — in wasted product, downtime for attempted repair, or food safety risks. Saeplast containers turn those risks into long-term savings and performance.

This moment became a key proof point: the durability of Saeplast products was no longer just a promise — it was a visible reality.

 

Appreciating the Saeplast Advantage

Beyond durability, Aquagold has come to appreciate the thoughtful engineering behind Saeplast containers:

• Drain Plug Parking Spot Design: Allows a place to store the drain plug while the container is emptied — all without compromising bin structure or hygiene.
• Footpads or Wearpads on the Bottom: Enhance stability and safety during stacking and transport.
• Silkscreen Branding: An impactful feature that supports Aquagold’s marketing goals. The ability to clearly showcase their brand on each container resonated strongly with their team, reinforcing pride in their product and identity.

"Saeplast’s bins didn’t just last longer — they stood up where others failed."

 

Looking Ahead: Scalable, Reliable Growth

The partnership is built not only on shared values but on scalable potential. As Aquagold prepares to manage its own logistics by 2026, a new phase of the relationship will begin — one that could involve providing hundreds of Saeplast bins to support their expanding operations without compromising on quality or sustainability.

Conclusion: More Than Shrimp — It’s About Standards

Aquagold is more than a customer — they are a strategic ally for Saeplast in Latin America. Their trust affirms that we are fulfilling our mission: delivering solutions that uphold quality, reduce environmental impact, and empower our partners to grow with confidence.

Together, we’re not just preserving shrimp.
We’re preserving standards. And for Aquagold, that means everything.

 

 

Ready to Raise Your Standards?

Are you scaling your processing facility and tired of short-lived equipment?

Let’s talk. Discover how Saeplast can help you preserve more than just your product — preserve your reputation.