“Our know-how in extraction, marine biotechnologies, and our innovative multiple stage extraction processes can allow us to generate new byproducts, meeting the needs for more sustainable and naturally sourced solutions,” said Faure. “We set an ambitious goal to address one of the biggest environmental challenges in producing algae-based products today: keeping up with the fast-growing demand.”
Eliminating seaweed waste
The algae-derived ingredient company said they will dramatically advance their co-extraction strategy of fresh seaweeds in house and optimizing the use of raw materials to reduce its environmental impact. The traditional manufacturing process for seaweed extracts utilizes only a relatively small portion of the biomass while generating significant solid and liquid waste. Algaia has set a goal of using its multiple-extraction process for 80-90% of the fresh seaweed biomass that it harvests by 2025.
Local partners
Algaia collaborates directly with local fishermen to harvest fresh French seaweed near its plant in Brittany, France, to ensure a constant fresh local and renewable supply of seaweed biomass.
“Fishermen are the key to guaranteeing a sea-to-fork supply chain with the complete transparency that every consumer deserves," said Faure, adding that companies are increasingly turning to trusted, local suppliers who have demonstrated their reliability in the midst of the pandemic. “Working closely with the fishermen lets us speedily answer the rapidly growing demand for our product line and guarantee access to the most bioactive components that we could co-extract from our fresh biomass. The fresher the seaweed, the better we can procure of its high-value active compounds. We are eager to further participate and contribute in this traditional ocean “farming” activity in the region and become more involved with the community.”
Financial boost
The announcement comes at a time when Algaia just finalized a $2.4 million dollar round of financing handled by its strategic investors. With the financial support, the company can now focus on their sustainability efforts.
“Algaia is today recognized worldwide as a key player in seaweed extracts. The quality of our products and our service no longer needs to be demonstrated,’ said Franck Hennequart, Algaia co-founder and Group Innovation Director. “Now, the objective is to continue to develop innovative and sustainable natural solutions for the food, cosmetic, medical devices and plant health industries.”