Swedish Algae Factory

Creating a climate positive business using algae

What is the Challenge?

In almost all of our products there are inputs that would not meet today's ethical and environmental standards. Plastic is a very good example, but fossil-based emulsifiers are actually present in everything from skincare to food. Being a by-product from the petroleum industry, these resources are often priced too low and it is hard for new ingredients to compete in replacing them in everyday products. As we are winding down our addiction to fossil-fuels we also need to ramp up alternative and regenerative resources that can replace fossil-based resources.

What is the Solution?

By extracting material from an algae group called Diatoms, Swedish Algae Factory is making useful material from something that eats CO2. These types of microalgae eat CO2 to grow, and are a regenerative, CO2 negative resource that is replacing fossil-based resources from the petroleum industry. As the algae are naturally designed for efficient uptake of visible light, blockage of UV light and uptake, as well as release and blocking of chemical substances there are multiple application areas. Branded under the name Algica, the uniquely structured mesoporous silica material is used as an ingredient in the skin care industry, replacing ingredients that are bad for the ecosystems and our health. Algica is an efficient moisturiser, cleanser, sensory modifier, anti-pollution agent and SPF booster.

Research has also shown that Algica can increase the efficiency of solar panels up to approximately 36 percent, depending on the specific solar cell technology. Since UV radiation is degrading solar panels, Algica will also reduce degradation of solar panels over time. Algica can also be used to increase the time a battery charge lasts by increasing the anode capacity of batteries. In lab tests the specific capacity of batteries have been doubled using Algica.

Swedish Algae Factory has created a circular production process, converting emissions from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphorus into valuable products. By using nutrient-rich water from a food industry located nearby the company on the west coast of Sweden, nutrients that otherwise would be mined or produced in energy intensive processes, are recycled. The organic biomass that remains after the extraction of Algica is today used to produce energy and fertilisers, but can in the future also be used for feed and food. After the nutrient-rich water has passed the facility, cleaner water can be transferred back to the food industry. Swedish Algae Factory’s goal is to be a world-leading producer of advanced materials from algae and a driving force towards a circular and bio-based industry.