A life-cycle analysis (LCA) of AlgaPrime DHA, assessing the environmental impact of the algae-based feed ingredient’s sustainable production, has been completed and the results are in, according to its developer, Corbion.
Concluded in 2020 and ISO 14040/44 reviewed, the LCA – paired with further analysis and publicly available data – “affirmed that the omega-3 feed ingredient has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional sources of fish oil,” Corbion said in a press release.
AlgaPrime DHA, which is made in a matter of days via microalgae grown in closed fermentation tanks, possesses a low carbon footprint attributable to three factors of its production system, Corbion determined through the analysis process:
- The AlgaPrime facility sits among sugar cane fields and is located next door to a sugar cane mill. The sugar cane waste is used as a renewable source of energy to fully power the sugar mill and the algae facility.
- Sugar cane used to grow AlgaPrime DHA via fermentation is one of the world's most-productive sugar sources, compared to other sugar feedstock sources like corn and wheat. This means that the more sugar produced per hectare of land, the more omega-3s can be produced per hectare.
- A hectare of land produces both the fuel and feedstock to grow AlgaPrime DHA, with zero deforestation impact confirmed by historical satellite data.
"At Corbion, we are committed to utilizing our unique expertise in large-scale fermentation to deliver sustainable and reliable solutions, like AlgaPrime DHA, for the preservation of the planet," Corbion President of Algae Ingredients Ruud Peerbooms said. "The results of this life-cycle analysis show the important role that AlgaPrime DHA can have for farmers, feed, and pet food producers who are working to meet key U.N. Sustainable Development Goals."
WWF-UK Aquaculture Specialist Piers Hart said that a growing number of seafood farmers are turning to algae omega-3 ingredients as a more sustainable choice.
"Many leading farmers are adopting sustainably produced algae omega-3 ingredients and helping to protect marine biodiversity by reducing the dependence on fish oil as the only source of long-chain omega-3s," Hart said. "It is promising to see these positive results of the LCA for algae omega-3s produced using renewable energy and sustainable sugar as the feedstock. Through the efforts of innovators, farmers, and feed producers, inclusion of algae omega-3s in feed is one of many important innovations advancing our collective efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of food production, while improving nutrition for all people."
Photo courtesy of Corbion
