An algae-based egg substitute? Yes, it exists. Paint? That too. Plant biostimulants, medicines, cosmetics, dietary supplements? The solutions are already here. Abundant and versatile, seaweed continues to reveal new potential applications every day. In recent years, innovative startups have emerged, yet several barriers—such as high production costs—still hinder their development. However, the vast promise of this marine resource is pushing both private and public stakeholders to unite around structuring the industry.
Often seen washed up on beaches or floating on the water’s surface to the dismay of swimmers, seaweed offers immense and largely untapped benefits. What we see with the naked eye only represents a small fraction of these photosynthetic organisms that have populated marine ecosystems for billions of years. Today, more than 10,000 species of macroalgae (red, green, and brown algae visible to the naked eye) have been identified, alongside hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of microalgae species, which are unicellular organisms making up the essential phytoplankton.
« Seaweed in the marine environment plays the same role as plants do on land. They are equally important in terms of function and biodiversity, » says Ronan Pierre, Head of Innovation and Product at CEVA (Center for the Study and Valorization of Algae) in Brittany, France.
An Ancient Resource With Modern Promise
The use of seaweed in food dates back to prehistoric times, and it has been cultivated in Asia for centuries. It was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that seaweed began to be used in Europe in various industries such as food processing and cosmetics.
While the French government’s latest roadmap, presented at the most recent Agriculture Fair, signals momentum toward a structured algae sector, challenges remain before a full ecosystem can flourish. Nonetheless, many promising startups are taking the lead with cutting-edge innovations that could push the sector to new heights.
Source: bigmedia
