In an era where sustainability and resilience are crucial for success, seaweed stands out as a transformative solution for food and packaging manufacturers. This versatile crop not only addresses the pressing challenges of today’s food system but also opens doors to innovation and efficiency.
Tasty, innovative and nutritious food to feed the planet
As the global population continues to grow and protein demand rises, seaweed emerges as a versatile solution to address these challenges. Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an ideal ingredient to enhance the health benefits of your food products.
Traditional protein production systems, such as meat, and wild and farmed fish are significant global industries, but they are reaching their limits due to various environmental and resource constraints. Livestock production is a leading cause of land use, water consumption and pollution. It is considered a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and competes with biodiversity. Other factors, such as the heavy use of antibiotics, cause concerns for consumers and regulators.
According to the United Nations, our global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and to increase further to 10.4 billion by 2100, calling for more sustainable sources of dietary protein.
Seaweed presents a promising alternative to traditional protein sources. It can be cultivated in seawater and does not compete for land and freshwater. Seaweeds are rich in essential amino acids and have a high nutritional value, comparable to common plant protein sources like peas, soy, and tree nuts.
Seaweed’s versatility makes it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of applications, from snacks and beverages to condiments and dietary supplements. Whether you are developing new offerings or improving existing ones, by incorporating seaweed into your product lineup, you can stay ahead of the curve in the competitive food industry and appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Supply Chain Reliability
Seaweed offers a reliable, local supply chain solution. Cultivated in dedicated ocean leases or on land, seaweed reduces dependence on unstable global markets and minimizes disruptions. By sourcing seaweed locally, you ensure a consistent, high-quality supply of raw materials. This localised approach supports regional economies and enhances your supply chain’s resilience, making it less susceptible to external shocks such as geopolitical tensions or global supply chain crises.
Plastic Packaging Alternatives
Our world is inundated with plastic waste and the pressure is mounting on manufacturers to find sustainable packaging solutions. Significant research and development have been conducted with seaweed offering a compelling alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
As a biodegradable material, seaweed can be used to create eco-friendly packaging that decomposes naturally, significantly reducing environmental impact. Research and development are in their final stages, enabling packaging manufacturers to replace traditional plastic pellets with seaweed-based pellets. These nurdles seamlessly integrate into existing moulding and machinery systems to produce flexible, medium, and rigid plastic alternatives. It is no surprise that surf clothing companies were the first to announce the introduction of seaweed plastics into their product and packaging lines this year, being closely connected to the ocean. In the food & beverage space, several packaging innovations are being trialled, ranging from coffee and oil sachets to takeaway cups, pouches and containers.
Integrating seaweed-based packaging into your business not only supports a circular economy but also positions your brand as a pioneer in sustainable innovation, meeting the growing demand for eco-conscious products.
Sustainability Reporting and Stakeholder Trust
With new sustainability regulations and reporting requirements being introduced globally, demonstrating environmental stewardship has never been more important. Investors increasingly focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance as a key indicator of long-term viability and risk management.
Purchasing seaweed as an ingredient for your products supports your sustainability goals: Seaweed cultivation requires minimal land, water, and fertilisers, while actively sequestering CO2 and absorbing unwanted excess nutrients from the water column. Sourcing seaweed locally further reduces your carbon footprint and supports local economies. Including these factors in your sustainability reports showcases your commitment to responsible business practices and builds credibility.
Transparent ESG reporting is essential for building confidence among investors, consumers and regulatory bodies. By demonstrating your commitment to quality, waste reduction, supply reliability, and sustainability, you enhance your brand’s reputation and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.
Southern Ocean Carbon is launching seaweed biomass production in the Middle East
Southern Ocean Carbon (www.southernoceancarbon.com), an Australian seaweed farming and project management company, is expanding its operations to the Middle East. Committed to driving positive environmental impact and improving food security globally, Southern Ocean Carbon not only provides food-grade seaweed for further processing but takes it a step further and can assist partners with ESG reporting support.
Having identified several seaweed species for optimal nutrition and growth rates in the region, Southern Ocean Carbon offers a fresh perspective and presents a novel opportunity for innovative food and beverage producers to develop seaweed-enhanced products. Their links with global scientific research collaboratives, their marine assurance capacity and ADEC Innovations’ worldwide network make Southern Ocean Carbon a trusted industry ally to partner with.
