Yorkshire chippy leading the way in seafood sustainability 

A Yorkshire fish and chip shop is proving its commitment to protecting our oceans by serving sustainable fish to seafood lovers. 

The Scrap Box fish and chip shop in York has achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, after meeting global best practice for sustainability. 

This means that the Scrap Box can now use the blue MSC ecolabel in its restaurant to communicate its certification to customers. The most widely recognised sustainable wild seafood ecolabel in the world, the MSC ecolabel can provide consumers with confidence that the fish they are buying does originate from an MSC certified sustainable fishery. This means that the fish comes from healthy stocks, that are not overfished, and its fishing method does not negatively impact the wider marine environment.  

Aman Dhesi, who runs The Scrap Box with his brother Gavin, said: ‘We’re really proud of being MSC certified here at The Scrap Box. The origin of the fish we buy has always been important to us, and as a business we wanted to demonstrate that we’re doing everything that we can to protect our oceans whilst serving the food we all know and love.’ 

The Scrap Box underwent an audit to independently verify that they were purchasing fish that originates from an MSC certified sustainable fishery, and that the fish is safeguarded in their custody, with staff fully aware of the MSC requirements. 

The fish and chip shop, located off Hull Road near Dunnington, has previously been recognised for its culinary standards. In 2024, The Scrap Box received Quality Accreditation from the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), a prestigious award for fish and chip shops that demonstrate their high standards in areas such as hygiene, equipment, and food quality. Now, The Scrap Box have met best practice for sustainability as well. 

This success has culminated in the Scrap Box being shortlisted in the top 10 for Takeaway of the Year at the 2025 National Fish and Chip Awards. The ceremony will take place in London in February. 

Rowan Williams, Commercial Officer for MSC UK and Ireland, said: ‘Customers buying their fish and chips want to know that they’re not harming the environment when doing so, and public concern about the oceans is growing. In that context, it’s really encouraging to see The Scrap Box committing to sustainability, and showing that fish and chips don’t have to cost the earth or the ocean.’ 

If your business is interested in becoming MSC certified, you can contact the MSC UK Team as MSCInTheUK@msc.org.