As the global population approaches 10 billion, securing sustainable and nutritious food sources is one of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Traditional agriculture, dominated by resource-intensive crops including wheat, soy, and maize, along with livestock production, accounts for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions[1] while depleting critical resources like land and water.
Currently, one-quarter of global crops are grown in water-stressed areas, and the combined effects of soil erosion, drought, water scarcity, and erratic weather are projected to reduce agricultural yields by up to 20%[2], creating a 56% food gap[3].
Low-Resource Solution for Food Security
Seaweed farming presents a transformative solution, offering a scalable, low-resource solution for food security while contributing to a sustainable food value chain.
Unlike land-based crops, seaweed requires no arable land, freshwater, pesticides, or fertilizers. Instead, it absorbs excess carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which helps combat ocean eutrophication and acidification. Seaweed farming also fosters ocean biodiversity by supporting marine habitats. Seaweed farms have been estimated to generate habitat for 1.4x more marine life than nearby sites without restorative aquaculture gear.[4]
According to the World Bank, increasing seaweed cultivation could boost global food supply by 10% by 2050, with the potential for 14% annual harvest growth[5].
Seaweed: A Nutrient-Dense Superfood
Seaweed is a highly nutritious food source, with many species rich in fiber, carbohydrates, essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Numerous species, including brown seaweeds like Saccharina (sugar kelp) provide diverse health benefits which stem from their bioactive compounds.[6]
Seaweed offers a sustainable alternative to overfished marine species and resource-heavy land-based proteins. For the 3 billion people who rely on the ocean for protein[7], seaweed-based foods provide a sustainable dietary solution.
Using proprietary green technology, OCEANIUM has developed OCEAN ACTIVES® H+, a high-purity seaweed bioactive that has shown promising potential to support gut health and the microbiome in preliminary ex vivo testing. Alongside this, OCEANIUM® PET is a unique, multi-complex extract for pet health and wellness.
We’re only beginning to uncover the full health benefits of seaweed. With clinical trials for OCEAN ACTIVES® H+ underway to validate claims, we’re combining cutting-edge efficacy with sustainability.
Scaling a Sustainable Seaweed Value Chain
To unlock seaweed’s full potential, it is critical to develop a global value chain that extends beyond Asia, where 98% of seaweed farming is currently concentrated in countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea[8]. Expanding seaweed farming to Europe, North America, and other regions can create a resilient global food system, capable of scaling from today’s 35 million[9] tonnes to a projected 98 million tonnes.[10] However, achieving this requires significant advancements in technology, infrastructure, and consumer awareness.
The World Bank predicts the seaweed industry is expected to reach $33 billion by 2030 with immense potential to reshape the global food system.[11]
OCEANIUM is unlocking major bottlenecks in the seaweed industry, through its innovative cascade biorefinery technology, which extracts maximum value from sustainably farmed developing versatile, functional and high-value ingredients.
From nutrient-rich superfoods to clinically proven bioactives for health and wellness, and biodegradable materials and inks for packaging and textiles, OCEANIUM’s solutions replace resource-intensive alternatives.
OCEANIUM’s products are positioned in high-growth markets, representing a $7 billion market opportunity[12]. This creates a ‘pull demand’ for sustainably farmed seaweed, driving the growth of the seaweed industry in the Western Hemisphere.
With OCEANIUM’s technological innovation, the seaweed industry can overcome regulatory, infrastructure, and consumer awareness barriers, scaling up to become a cornerstone of a regenerative food system. By reducing pressure on traditional agriculture and overexploited marine ecosystems, seaweed farming offers a sustainable path to feed a growing population while restoring ocean health and supporting climate resilience.
World Wildlife Fund – Expert Perspective
Paul Dobbins, Senior Director, Impact Investments at World Wildlife Fund
“WWF seeks to advance seaweed farming in the North Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific Rim because of the significant societal and climate benefits it offers. However, these benefits can only be realized if there is a strong market for seaweed—a critical role that OCEANIUM is fulfilling. Through our investment in OCEANIUM, we aim to spotlight this vital aspect of the industry, encouraging others to support OCEANIUM and similar companies working to create markets for seaweed. By replacing terrestrially produced products, farmed seaweed not only delivers ecosystem benefits but also creates jobs in coastal communities and produces highly nutritious, functional food products and feedstocks for industry.”
- [1] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Energy, Agriculture & Climate Change
- [2] Zhao, C., Liu, B., Piao, S., Wang, X., Lobell, D. B., Huang, Y., … & Asseng, S. (2017). Temperature increase reduces global yields of major crops in four independent estimates. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(35), 9326-9331.
- [3] World Resources Institute (WRI). How to Sustainably Feed 10 Billion People by 2050
- [4] The Nature Conservancy, Principles of Restorative Aquaculture
- [5] World Bank Group, Seaweed Aquaculture for Food Security, Income Generation and Environmental Health in Tropical Developing Countries
- [6] Lomartire, S., Marques, J. C., & Gonçalves, A. M. M. (2021). An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption. Marine Drugs, 19(6), 341.
- [7] Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- [8] Seaweed Insights
- [9] World Wildlife Fund
- [10] World Bank Report 2023, Global Seaweed: New and Emerging Seaweed Markets
- [11] Ibid
- [12] Ibid