Sea the Difference: DSM expands life’s algae omega 3 range, spotlights marine ecosystems

22 Apr 2022 --- Royal DSM is kicking off Earth Day 2022 by broadening its range of marine-friendly algae-derived ingredients to include two forms of life’s-branded omega 3. The move offers customers plant-based omega 3 solutions with “zero” marine impact in a market dominated by more antiquated fish oil-derived alternatives.

The range offers formulators in select markets omega 3 supplements which are sustainable both in terms of ecology and supply chain integrity.

DSM’s life’s range will now include life’sOmega O1030DS and life’sOmega Ultra.

life’sOmega O1030DS is said to be a powerful omega 3 supplement offering both EPA and DHA in a single source, while life’sOmega Ultra is the company’s most potent form of algal omega 3. 

The expansion comes with the announcement of the company’s “Sea the Difference” campaign to bring attention to overfishing and the abuse of oceans and water masses. The campaign will serve to promote the use of eco-friendly algae-derived ingredients. 

Consumers are demanding sustainable natural ingredients amid the climate crisis.Back in 2020, NutritionInsight spotlighted storytelling around ingredient sourcing as taking center-stage in F&B industry player’s marketing strategy at Vitafoods Virtual Expo amid increasing ethical consciousness among consumers.

Preserving biodiversity
Brent MacDonald, global director marketing, nutritional lipids at DSM explains: “As fish get their omega 3 from marine algae, making the switch to 100% algal-sourced omega 3 could save 22 million metric tons of fish per year and have a positive impact on countless diverse marine ecosystems.”

DSM has dedicated a new “microsite” to the Sea the Difference campaign that offers an “immersive and impactful” video explaining the advantages of sustainably-sourced omega 3 and the benefits it can have on ocean life.

The video layers imagery of swimming fish over dry-land scenes while demonstrating the ecological impact of sustainable sourcing in numbers with a soothing voiceover and music.

Omega 3 market at major turning point
In recent years, increased demand for climate-friendly, plant-based supplements has made manufacturers and formulators look to non-traditional sources of ingredients like omega 3. Traditional omega 3 supplements are derived from sources like fish oil. 

However overfishing and devastation of oceans have made consumers demand environmentally sustainable alternatives.

Algal oil and plant-based marine omega 3 therefore offer great potential for companies looking to ecologize their business to suit consumer demand for ethical sourcing of ingredients. 

DSM isn’t the only company riding the algae omega 3 wave; last summer, Polaris launched a range of microalgae-derived omega 3 the company touted as overcoming the sensory challenges of fish-based omega 3. Later that year, AAK and Progress Biotech teamed up on algae-based omega 3 for infant formula.

Edited by Olivia Nelson