Corbion’s AlgaPrime DHA shown to have lower carbon footprint than traditional fish oils

23 Mar 2021 --- Algae-based feed ingredients company Corbion has carried a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for AlgaPrime DHA, which showed the omega 3 ingredient has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional sources of fish oil.

The assessment reviewed and analyzed the environmental impact of AlgaPrime docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)’s sustainable production. The scientific publication of the AlgaPrime DHA LCA study is under peer review.

“At Corbion, we are committed to utilizing our expertise in large-scale fermentation to deliver sustainable and reliable solutions, like AlgaPrime DHA, for the preservation of the planet,” says Ruud Peerbooms, president of Corbion Algae Ingredients.

“The results of this LCA show the important role that AlgaPrime DHA can have for farmers, feed and pet food producers who are working to meet key UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Sustainable fermentation
To make AlgaPrime DHA, microalgae are grown in closed fermentation tanks where they transform renewable, sustainable, non-GM plant sugars into algae containing omega 3-rich oil in a matter of days. 

Life Cycle Analysis of Corbion’s AlgaPrime DHA validates lower carbon footprint compared to traditional sources of fish oil. (Source: Corbion)AlgaPrime DHA’s low carbon footprint is due to three primary elements of its production system.

Firstly, it is powered by renewable energy. 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.

It also produces a high yield feedstock. 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, the company says.

In addition, it makes for efficient land usage. One hectare of land produces both the fuel and feedstock to grow AlgaPrime DHA, with zero-deforestation impact confirmed by historical satellite data, notes Corbion.

“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,” says Dr. Piers Hart, aquaculture specialist at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) UK.

“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,” he adds.

“Through the efforts of innovators, farmers and feed producers, inclusion of algae omega 3s in feed are one of many important innovations advancing our collective efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of food production while improving nutrition for all people.”

Fatty acids on the rise
Omega 3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA are some of the most clinically backed nutrients for supporting cardiovascular and brain health, with consumer demand rising. 

NutritionInsight previously spoke with key suppliers on the drivers behind the demand for omega 3, dose and ratio information to consider, as well as which demographics are seeking out the nutrient.

Last year, Evonik expanded its AvailOm high-load omega 3 powder platform for algal and fish oil-based formulations. The new offerings now target vegans, vegetarians, those who are pregnant or parents, as well as people interested in healthy aging.

Meanwhile, the beneficial properties of omegas are mounting. US researchers previously uncovered key differences in two omega 3 fatty acids’ functions. The findings suggest DHA and EPA each play separate roles in regulating the immune system. 

At the same time, a number of omega 3 studies have come to the fore, casting doubt on the ingredient's potential in supporting heart health. However, industry experts support that fatty acids are essential for well-being and that a substantial amount of research has already proven their beneficial impact on heart health.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou