Project description
An innovative system to make the most out of algae
Algae biomass is a treasure in the water, while capturing CO2 vast amounts of biomass are generated. However, this treasure is not being used to the fullest. The EU-funded CIRCALGAE project aims to develop a ground-breaking exploitation system where the algae industrial waste streams will be further valorised, in a more sustainable and circular approach. Through a set of simple, water-based technologies, the project focuses on introducing an integrated biorefinery concept and delivering novel macro- and microalgae ingredients to the food, feed and cosmetic sector. Bringing together a team of key algae cross-sectoral actors, CIRCALGAE aspires to revolutionise the blue bioeconomy and scale up the sustainable use of living aquatic resources.
Objective
Algae biomass is highly underexploited and its efficient utilization is one of the main challenges in current and future EU marine policies towards sustainability. CIRCALGAE will boost the blue bioeconomy by applying an integrated biorefinery concept to valorise the massively produced (over 36 Mt of algae biomass annual world production) and vastly underexploited algae industrial waste streams (which can add up to 95% of the initial biomass) from the main existing sources to date: the phycolloid production from macroalgae and protein/lipid microalgae industries. CIRCALGAE’s simple, water-based technologies, will transform these waste streams into value-added ingredients to be used in specific texturized vegan foods, health-promoting food ingredients, protein rich feed, and cosmetic formulations incorporating texturizing or highly bioactive ingredients for topical use. 3 blue biorefinery schemes up-scaled to hundreds of kg will be demonstrated throughout CIRCALGAE project. 12 demonstrator products will be developed by food, feed and cosmetic industry partners validating the great potential of novel algae ingredients in these key sectors. Additionally, 2 final products will be qualified for market including their studies in consumer acceptance assessments. Through co-creating and co-learning, CIRCALGAE will connect all algae cross-sectional actors, including industrial end-user partners, RTOs, technological and consultancy SMEs, for the validation of all health-promoting effects and claims, regulatory aspects and environmental, economic and social impacts, engaging all relevant stakeholders in the primary sector to re-shape the current industrial network for a future thriving blue bioeconomy.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation ActionsCoordinator
412 96 GOTEBORG
Sweden
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Participants (21)
28006 Madrid
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14558 Bergholz Rehbrucke
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
6009 Alesund
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62200 Boulogne Sur Mer
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1000 Bruxelles / Brussel
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1649 038 Lisboa
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
9042 Desteldonk Gent
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
28002 Madrid
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
98617 Ritschenhausen
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
51010 Tartu
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
R93 Carlow
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5525 Haugesund
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
38486 Klotze
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22610 Pleubian
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36418 PORRINO PONTEVEDRA
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
413 27 GOTHENBURG
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
9031 Drongen
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31000 Osijek
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603 Akureyri
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
46185 La Pobla De Vallbona
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100 44 Stockholm
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