ALGINOR: Presentation and role in the project

Alginor (ALG)  is a Norwegian marine biotech company developing a vertically integrated value chain for harvesting and total utilisation of the brown macroalgae Laminaria hyperborea using modern green-chemistry extraction and purification methods, with an aim of achieving zero waste processes. An estimated standing biomass of 100 million tonnes of Laminaria hyperborea is found in the European oceans, whereof 60 million tonnes are located along the Norwegian coastline. Norwegian harvesting regulations ensure sustainable growth conditions for the kelp biomass, which is fully renewable.

Alginor is aiming to become a leading, large-scale manufacturer and supplier of high-quality kelp-based ingredients, predominantly targeting pharmaceutical and food markets, as well as the cosmetical and agricultural industry. A biorefinery is planned to be finished by 2024, with an annual production capacity based on 10,000 tonnes kelp (wet weight). The long-term target capacity is based on 100,000 tonnes kelp (wet weight) per year.

Through the total utilisation approach, Alginor aims to refine the raw material into 12 products groups, including polysaccharides such as alginate, cellulose and fucoidan, as well as bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids. One of these product groups extracted from seaweed are proteins, peptides and amino acids, which are also the focus of the ALEHOOP project