Corbion study shows lower impact on algae omega-3 production

Corbion has presented a study demonstrating that its algae-based DHA omega-3 solutions contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced water use.

Specifically, the updated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) white paper for its algae-derived omega-3 DHA portfolio demonstrates measurable improvements in environmental performance compared with the company's 2021 assessment.

This cradle-to-gate assessment found that Corbion's algae-derived omega-3 DHA solutions have an 18–23% lower climate impact and use 44–54% less water compared with the company’s 2021 assessment.

Also, the study showed lower impacts on land use and reduced particulate matter emissions, demonstrating further improvements in the environmental performance of the portfolio.

"This updated assessment reflects measurable progress in our production system and helps customers better understand the environmental profile of different omega-3 sourcing options," said Diana Visser, Head of Sustainability at Corbion.

Process and methodology

Thanks to the optimization of algae strains and manufacturing processes, Corbion increased the DHA content of its products and improved production efficiency, leading to these environmental improvements.

The LCA was carried out in line with ISO standards and independently verified by a third party. It includes updated data from Corbion's facility in Brazil, as well as the latest supplier and environmental assessment data. Finally, the assessment found that its solutions generate approximately 40–50% less climate impact per kilogram of DHA than conventional fish oil.

"Our algae-derived DHA portfolio helps customers diversify their sourcing while advancing their sustainability goals with commercially proven solutions," assured Tim Rutten, Head of Nutrition and Pharma Ingredients.

Corbion's products are used in aquaculture feed, pet food, animal feed, and human nutrition. The company has also developed a unique oil-based suspension of lysed algal cells. In April, it was granted a new U.S. patent for algae-derived omega-3 fatty acids.