sustAinaBle develOpmEnt

Microalgae possess unique properties that enable them to actively contribute to restoring environmental balance and serve as a practical solution for various industries seeking to maximize efficiency while minimizing their environmental footprint. Some examples of these unique properties include:

High growth rate: Microalgae can double their biomass in in a matter of hours, this is record time for photosynthetic organisms. This makes them highly efficient at producing biomass, proteins and other bioactive compounds.

Photosynthesis efficiency: microalgae can convert sunlight into biomass very efficiently, resulting in a much higher yields than land plants. Microalgae multiply the protein yield per hectare of soy by between 4 and 25 times (Koyande et al 2019). Hence, compared with terrestrial crops, microalgae require less land and freshwater for cultivation, especially if grown in salt water. Moreover, they can grow in areas with poor soil quality.

Controllable, versatile cultivation: microalgae can be grown in a wide range of conditions, from open-air ponds to closed reactors. This allows to adapt them to adapt to different environments and the availability of resources. As with any biotechnological process, culture conditions can be controlled down to the smallest detail, optimising it to maximise the production of a compound of interest.

Reduced soil contamination: because microalgae are grown in water, they have no direct impact on the soil, which can be beneficial in preventing soil erosion and degradation. What’s more, no pesticides are used in the cultivation process.

Carbon sequestration: microalgae have the ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide as they grow, which can help mitigate climate change.

Continuous harvesting: unlike traditional crops, which are generally harvested once a year, microalgae can be harvested continuously. This continuous harvesting capability means a higher total yield and reduces the risk of relying on a single annual harvest. This makes microalgae more resistant to adverse weather conditions, making them an ideal source for food security.

How Algemy ensures sustainable development?

We objectively measure our impact on the environment, the economy, and the society. This is our genuine effort to stay away from green washing and truly unleash the green power of microalgae….

Sustainability is a complex term, laden with environmental, social, and economic implications. To navigate this complexity and avoid green-washing, it’s crucial to objectively measure the impact of our ingredients. This is where Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) come into play. Environmental and Social LCAs and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) provide a comprehensive method to quantify the footprint of products throughout their life cycle, from production to disposal. By adopting these methodologies, we commit to transparency and informed decision-making, ensuring our sustainability efforts are both genuine and effective. This approach helps us understand and optimise our impact, steering towards the most positive processes and business models, those that ultimately lead us to a truly sustainable future!