As consumer demand for healthy, highly sustainable and natural ingredients steadily increases, Allmicroalgae unveiled ambitious expansion plans. By 2022, a nominal production capacity of 120 tons of raw materials per year is expected, which means an increase of more than 50% of the current capacities and doubling the initial volume. The growth plans include the installation of a second fermenter, which will be key in helping to achieve the 120 tons per year and further improve on the firm’s already competitive lead times.
The company is also planning to expand its capabilities to produce specific species tailor-made to customer requirements for different market sectors. Allmicroalgae’s algae species Nannochloropsis oceanica, Chlorella vulgaris, Tetraselmis chuii, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Scenedesmus sp. are high-quality sources of macro- and micronutrients with valuable nutritional profiles and a wide range of functionalities in the feed industry.
Optimizing production and maximizing the biochemical and functional characteristics of its algae-based products are at the heart of the company’s R&D activities. Microalgae are cultivated in photobioreactors and fermentation vessels with continuous monitoring of cultural parameters and contaminants before biomass is harvested through ultrafiltration. They are then spray dried and packed in a protective atmosphere, with each batch verified as free of contaminants by an independent third-party laboratory. Allmicroalgae does not use fertilizers or pesticides and is committed to using minimal energy. Furthermore, the water that circulates in photobioreactors is reused.
“The rapidly growing market for natural, sustainable ingredients with added health benefits proves the importance of our goal to make nutritious and sustainable microalgae accessible to all. In response to the increasing demand for algae-based solutions, we are more than happy to be able to expand delivery and further approve services to our customers,” said Margarida Eustáquio, responsible for business development at Allmicroalgae. “Our products combine the best of both worlds – excellent functionality and a clear ethical conscience. Our expansion demonstrates perfectly that economic growth and sustainability can be smartly combined when using future-proof raw materials and techniques.”
Allmicroalgae is one of the largest European producers of algae-based ingredients. Its expansion plans were given a boost recently thanks to the announcement of a new partnership with Greentech, a pioneer in plant biotechnology with experience in processing algae in innovative ingredients. The joint venture is supporting Allmicroalgae to expand its global presence.
