Epax signals rising tide of marine oil innovation with US$10M investment to boost omega-11 production

Marine nutritional ingredients supplier Epax, part of Norwegian fishery giant Pelagia, is investing US$10 million in a major upgrade to its main production facility, intended to sustainably support its development of next-generation marine oil products.

The investment in the facility in Aalesund, Norway, includes the construction of a new synthesis plant. It will use tailor-made Epax fractionation technology to gently modify fish oil and extract different fatty acids for bespoke nutrition products.

Epax’s R&D team has successfully tested and piloted the new technology, allowing it to be implemented on an industrial scale. While supporting the supplier’s omega-3 production, the system will help Epax create new patented products containing omega-9 and omega-11 (cetoleic acid).

Lesser known than omega-3, these long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids offer particular potential in nutraceutical applications targeting skin and metabolic health, as well as products for beauty and personal care.

Omega-11 has been studied for its ability to convert the plant-based omega-3 alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in liver cells. 

Scaling processing capacity

The new Epax plant will have the capacity to process 5,000 tons of crude oil per year, all derived from North Atlantic pelagic fish species, which are an “unusually rich” source of omega-9 and omega-11.

Construction work on the new plant is already under way, and it is scheduled to be on-stream by early 2026.

“This represents a shift towards greater use of local resources — a key element of Epax’s sustainability strategy,” the supplier highlights.

The investment also includes an expansion of the tank farm where crude fish oil is stored. This will further improve Epax’s “extensive” ability to optimally use the various fractions of the oil, with more being used in products for human nutrition — one of the company’s key Environmental, Social, and Governance goals.

“This investment is a demonstration of our dedication to harnessing the full potential of marine lipids, including next-generation fatty acids like omega-9 and omega-11. We’re proud to have created our own bespoke technology, which will enable us to continue developing exciting new products for human health,” says Epax CEO Bjørn Refsum.

“But as well as growth and innovation, we’re also committed to circularity and environmental stewardship. The expansion of our facility is designed to ensure that we make the best possible use of the rich resources on our doorstep.”

Last year, Epax introduced its Omega 3-9-11 ingredient, which claims to support all the benefits normally associated with omega-3 supplementation, including heart and brain health, while omega-9 and 11 offer benefits to skin and metabolic health.

Omega 3-9-11 is produced using Epax’s EQP+ Tech, an advanced distillation process, which allows the isolation and increase of the omegas 3, 9 and 11 content. Omega-3-9-11 contains a minimum of 720 mg/g of these fatty acids.