The Expanding Role of Seaweed in Bringing Green Wave to Modern Markets

Highlights:

• A brief on seaweeds
• Prominent applications of seaweed in various industries
• Key trends shaping the industry
• Notable developments by top players in the landscape

Seaweed refers to a diverse group of marine algae and plants that thrive in various aquatic environments, including rivers, seas, and oceans. These organisms come in a wide array of colors, ranging from red, green, brown, & black, and vary significantly in size, from microscopic forms to expansive underwater forests. They are usually found in Asian cuisines, where it is a dietary staple. Whether cooked or consumed raw, seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamins A, B, C, & K.

Diverse use cases of seaweeds in food, agriculture, and biomedicine

Seaweeds are increasingly recognized for their diverse applications across various industries due to their nutritional benefits and sustainability. In Asian countries, these marine organisms are widely used as a popular ingredient in various food preparations. They are used in products such as sushi, sauces, and snacks due to their rich nutrient profile, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are developed as functional foods that help reduce potential disease risks. Their bioactive compounds are utilized in dietary supplements to enhance health and wellness.

In the field of agriculture, seaweed extracts have gained traction as bio-stimulants, promoting plant growth and resilience against stressors. They are increasingly used to enhance crop yields and improve soil health. They serve as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, providing essential nutrients for plant growth while improving soil quality.

On the other hand, these marine plants are widely used for various biomedical applications. For instance, seaweed-derived polysaccharides are researched for use in drug delivery systems, wound healing, and tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility and functional properties. Furthermore, some seaweed extracts are utilized in cosmetic formulations for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties. These antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, which damage collagen and elastin fibers and lead to wrinkles. Moreover, seaweed extracts help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, thereby enhancing skin health.

Moreover, seaweed has a key role in improving water quality by absorbing excessive nutrients and carbon dioxide. Such characteristics of these living organisms aid in combating ocean acidification and mitigating nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff. In addition, seaweed aquaculture is widely used in restoration efforts to regenerate coastal habitats such as kelp forests, which support marine biodiversity and provide ecosystem services.

How has seaweed transformed dietary choices and industries?

The seaweed market has experienced significant growth and innovation across various sectors, driven by increase in consumer awareness of the health benefits of seaweed-based products. Further, rise of plant-based and vegan diets has been a key factor boosting the growth of the industry in the last few years. This trend has fueled the development of seaweed-based food products, including snacks, pastas, and supplements. Seaweed is recognized as a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, appealing to health-conscious consumers. In addition, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make them ideal for their use in functional foods. Many leading businesses in the domain emphasize the development of innovative products to increase their consumption in Western markets.

PA Consulting and Searo Labs unite to develop seaweed-based alternatives to plastics

In August 2024, PA Consulting, a firm that focuses on adapting to breakthrough technologies joined forces with Searo Labs, a leading producer of innovative seaweed-based products. This collaboration emphasizes accelerating and scaling the adoption of seaweed-based materials in consumer products and packaging within the food, personal care, and home care sectors. These products have significant potential to be adopted by global manufacturers and brands. They are designed to reduce the global use of single-use plastics and PFAS chemicals. Sareo Labs focuses on developing seaweed-based technology to commercialize its use in various applications including film packaging for fresh food, dissolvable shampoo, detergent pods, and feminine care products.   

JRS Group strengthens seaweed business with Algaia acquisition

In March 2023, the JRS Group, a leading producer of functional ingredients from plant-based raw materials announced its acquisition of Algaia SA, a producer of seaweed extracts and hydrocolloids. This agreement has enhanced JRS’s position as a world-class player for seaweed-based products. JRS and Algaia are two firms that harvest and process seaweed along the Atlantic coast of Brittany, one of the largest fresh seaweed fields in Europe. Through this initiative, the companies aim to meet the rise in demand for natural, renewable, and biodegradable solutions for a wide range of industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, medical care, home, surface coating, and agriculture. In addition, the acquisition enables Algaia to expand its reach with existing alginate businesses of JRS to offer outstanding innovative seaweed-based solutions to its global customers. According to Josef Otto Rettenmaier, the president of JRS Group, this agreement has enabled its businesses to develop both production sites and support the local harvest and utilization of fresh seaweed sources.

Winding up

The seaweed industry has witnessed significant growth as seaweed is harvested and farmed sustainably with a minimal impact on the environment. Surge in their applications in various sectors such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and energy has increased the production of several seaweed-based products. Furthermore, innovation in product development is expected to create substantial opportunities in the industry in the coming years.

To know more about the emerging applications of seaweeds, feel free to contact our industry specialists today!

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