- The biorefinery will operate at CABB's site in Kokkola, Finland, starting in 2028.
- It will process sargassum into alginate, fucoidan, and biomass residue.
- The algae-based ingredients market is valued at $220 billion.
- Origin by Ocean seeks strategic investors and partners for the project.
Biorefinery Initiative
Origin by Ocean and CABB Group are collaborating to establish a first-of-a-kind algae biorefinery in Kokkola, Finland. The facility will utilize Origin by Ocean's patented technology to process sargassum, an invasive brown seaweed, into valuable ingredients like alginate, fucoidan, and biomass residue. The biorefinery is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The transition from fossil-based ingredients is crucial for industries such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Harmful algal blooms, fueled by agricultural runoff and rising ocean temperatures, have disrupted coastal communities, particularly in the Caribbean and West Africa. These blooms produce up to 40 million tons of biomass annually, affecting local economies and marine ecosystems. Cleaning sargassum from Caribbean beaches costs an estimated $120 million annually.
Market Potential
The market for algae-based ingredients is valued at $220 billion, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived chemicals. Origin by Ocean is actively seeking strategic investors and partners to expand its biorefinery operations globally, particularly in regions heavily affected by sargassum blooms.
Strategic Partnership
CABB Group will operate the biorefinery under a Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) arrangement, leveraging its industrial infrastructure and expertise in scaling up complex molecules. This partnership aligns with CABB's sustainability agenda and growth strategy in Life Science.
