Eco-friendly products and solutions comprise one of the fastest growing businesses worldwide.
Investing in this sector significantly increases the prospects of sustainable, long-term success.
Algae are the starting feedstock for a wide range of such eco-friendly products and solutions.
Comprehensive Report on Attractive Algae Product Opportunities
Algae are possibly one of the most useful organisms. In addition to the fact that algae are responsible for consuming most of the CO2 and releasing the most amount of oxygen that keeps us alive, algae are also being used in diverse industries and applications. One of the most important products that can be made from algae is biofuels and there are a number of companies working towards it.
However companies involved in the algae-to-fuels domain have started to realize that it could take much longer than originally expected to derive fuels from algae. Hence, as a starting point, many of these companies are exploring venturing into high value, non fuel products from algae. This allows them to generate profits fairly early into their venture while at the same time ensuring that they are able to continue with their efforts in sustainable fuel production.
Recognizing this trend and need for a comprehensive resource on algae products, Oilgae has come up with this report "Comprehensive Report on Attractive Product Opportunities". The report provides an overview of the wide range of non-fuel applications of algae – both current and future prospects. It will provide entrepreneurs with an idea of how to derive more benefits from their algal energy ventures.
Prominent Algae Products Value Matrix
| High-value | Medium-High value | Low to Medium value |
|---|---|---|
|
Nutraceuticals a) Astaxanthin b) Betacarotene c) Omega-3 fatty acid (DHA and EPA) d) CoenzymeQ10 |
Nutraceuticals Spirulina and Chlorella |
Fertilizer and Animal Feed a) Aquaculture feed (Shrimp feed, Shellfish Feed, Marine Fish Larve cultivation) b) Animal Feed c) Fertilizer |
|
Pharmaceuticals a) Antimicrobials, Antivirals and Antifungals b) Neuroprotective Products |
Hydrocolloids - Agar, Alginate, Carrageenan |
Substitutes for Synthetics - Biopolymers and Bioplastics - Lubricants |
|
Cosmetics a) Anti-cellulite b) Skin Anti-ageing and sensitive skin treatment – Alguronic acid |
Chemicals - Paints, Dyes and Colourants |
Bioremediation Wastewater treatment and nutrient credits CO2 capture and carbon credits |
Sector Opportunities
Current Algae Using Industries
- Biopolymers & Bioplastics
- Human Food & Food Supplements
- Animal & Fish Feed - Shrimp feed, Shellfish Diet, Marine Fish Larvae Cultivation
- Paints, Dyes and Colorants
- Lubricants
- Food & Nutraceuticals
- Cosmetics
- Agrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
Chemical Industries
Companies which can consider using algae as a source for their chemical requirements:
- Dyes and Colourants
- Paints and Coatings
- Biopolymers and Bioplastics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Textile
- Cosmetics
- Adhesives
- Surfactants
Algae-based Products Manufacturers
Extract lipids for biodiesel and use the leftover protein-rich cake for animal feeds or other hydrocarbons.
Cosmetics Manufacturers
Utilize algae as raw materials, bulk extracts for formulations, or as specialized functional ingredients.
Feed Manufacturers
Displace unsustainable fish meal in aquaculture and livestock feeds with protein-rich microalgae biomass.
Pharmaceutical Companies
Extract carotenoids, phycobilins, fatty acids, and active molecules to develop novel therapeutics.
Companies Producing Animal Waste
Use waste in digesters to generate methane, and cultivate algae on digestate to produce animal feed.
Agriculture & Farming
- Traditional crops – Use de-oiled algae extract as bio-fertilizer.
- Algae farms – Cultivate algae for fuel alongside high-value end-products.
Sewage & Water Treatment
Use algae for wastewater treatment in sectors: Meat & Poultry, Pulp & Paper, Textiles, Metal Finishing, Dyes, Pharma, Dairy, Biotech, Starch, Chemicals, Pesticides, Fertilizers.
Polluting Industries
Capture CO2 from Coal/Gas Power Plants, Petrochemicals, Iron & Steel, Cement, Sugar, Tyres, Mining, Aluminium, Paper.
Detailed Non-Fuel Products in the Report
| Nutraceuticals | Astaxanthin, Betacarotene, Omega-3 fatty acid (DHA and EPA), CoenzymeQ10 |
| Pharmaceuticals | Pharmaceutical proteins, Antimicrobials, Antivirals & Antifungals, Neuroprotective Products |
| Cosmetics | Anti-cellulite, Alguronic acid |
| Hydrocolloids | Agar, Alginate, Carrageenan |
| Biopolymers & Bioplastics | Algae Biopolymers and Bioplastics |
| Animal & Fish Feed | Shrimp Feed, Shellfish Diet, Marine Fish Larvae Cultivation, Livestock Feed |
| Dyes & Colorants | Algae pigments, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin, chlorophyll |
| Chemicals & Lubricants | Bio-based chemicals and lubricants |
| Paper | Paper derived from algae biomass |
Key Take-aways from the Report
- It has been estimated that between 200,000 and 800,000 species of microalgae exist, of which approximately 50,000 species have been described.
- Over 15,000 individual compounds have been identified in microalgae masses.
- Around 35,000 tons of microalgal dry mass are processed in the three market segments: diet, food, and cosmetics. More than 85 percent is used in functional foods and supplements.
- Aquaculture is the fastest growing segment increasing at a compound annual growth rate of about 10%.
- The global carrageenan market was worth about US$930 million as of 2019.
- The total market for Omega-3 fatty acids was about $4.01 billion in 2019, of which about $1300 million was from algae.
- Lutein market value in 2019 was estimated at US$290 million. It is estimated to reach US$460 million by 2027.
List of Chapters
Introduction, microalgae composition and cyanobacteria products, macroalgae composition and products, comparison.
Concepts, macroalgae systems, large scale feasibility, microalgae lab & commercial scale cultivation, challenges.
Microalgae harvesting practices & trends, macroalgae harvesting methods by strain.
Methods of drying algae and alternative drying processes.
Energy vs non-energy products, microalgae high value market, macro algae market.
Single Cell Protein (Spirulina, Chlorella), Omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids (Astaxanthin, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene, Canthaxanthin, Fucoxanthin).
Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, therapeutic proteins.
Microalgae/seaweed food, hydrocolloids (agar, alginates, carrageenan), food colourants, animal & fish feed.
Fucoidans, anticellulite, skin care, sun protection.
Wastewater treatment, biofilters for fish ponds, CO2 capture.
Algae chemicals, dyes, solvents, biopolymers, textiles, pigments, lubricants.
Profiles of prominent suppliers, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, textiles, feed, and university projects.