Catégorie : News

As the year 2024 just began, let’s have a look at the tremendous number in which SCALE was presented in 2023. During the final year of the project, SCALE partners attended several conferences and events, which were occasions for them to showcase their work on the project and its results. It helped to raise general public’s awareness on microalgae and their relevance to tackle with present and future eco-industrial challenges.

Let’s focus on these 2023 events presented in chronological order:

 

EUROPEAN ALGAE INDUSTRY SUMMIT

This major event in the field of algae was held in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal for its 2023 edition. It proved to be an occasion to share insights on latest developments in this ever-moving field. Christel Lemaire, Marketing Manager at Microphyt gave an oral presentation on the SCALE project and its marketing approach named “Microalgae in food, the European consumers perception”.

BIOKET 2023

This event, organized every year by our partner Bioeconomy For Change, brings together players from the whole bioeconomy sector. For its 2023 edition, the conference took place in Trois-Rivières, in Canada from May 23^rd to 25^th. Julie Person, from our coordinator Microphyt attended the conference and gave an oral presentation on the SCALE project.

EU Mission Ocean

This conference was held in Palermo, in Sicily at the beginning of June and focused on the preservation of submarine life and ecosystems, within the frame of the 14^th UN sustainable goal, “Life below water”. On this occasion Julie Person shared insights on the project and how it contributes to grow algae in a sustainable way and ecological way.

PLANT BASED SUMMIT

This event focusing on vegetal biomass took place in Lille in June and was also organized by our partner Bioeconomy For Change. SCALE had a strong presence at the conference. Firstly, the SCALE team from Bioeconomy For Change and Microphyt held a booth presenting the project to engage with visitors and stakeholders and exchange with them on the project. Julie Person, Project Coordinator at Microphyt also gave an oral presentation on the topic of “GamephytTM, a microalgae-based bioactive combined with natural guarana to improve cognitive performance”.

EUROPEAN PHYCOLOGICAL ALGAE CONGRESS

The European Phycological Algae Congress was organized in Brest, in Britanny, in the west of France. This scientific meeting was first held in Köln, in Germany in 1996 and has since been taking place every four years. It provides phycologists with an opportunity to discuss and exchange in their field. Microphyt gave an oral presentation on SCALE and also held a booth to showcase its products.

EU ALGAE AWARENESS SUMMIT

This summit was co-organized by the European Commission, the French government and the Global Seaweed Coalition in Paris from October 5^th to 7^th. The event included high-level participations with conferences, meetings and an immersive day open to the public on October 7^th. SCALE was presented on this occasion through a dedicated booth to highlight its products.

EFIB

Our  coordinator Microphyt and our communication leader Bioeconomy For Change attended the European forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy on 24^th and 25^th October, a key event for fostering discussions, collaborations, and advancements within the field of industrial biotechnology and the bioeconomy in Europe. During the forum, held in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, SCALE was showcased in two manners. A booth was held throughout the event, and the project was presented during Day 2 in a session sponsored by CBE JU.

SUPPLY SIDE WEST

Microphyt and its CEO Vincent Usache attended the 2023 edition of Supply Side West, where they held a booth presenting their activities, including the SCALE project. This show is an important event in the US market and it is dedicated to dietary complements, nutriments, food, beverage, pet food, cosmetic and personal care. In 2023, it took place in Las Vegas from 23^rd to 27^th October.

 

NEUROSCIENCE 2023

Neuroscience is a conference regarding neuroscience and brain health. It took place from November 11^th to 15^th in Washington DC, in the US. Our coordinator Microphyt was present with a dedicated poster, highlighting the results of tests conducted on Brainphyt, one of the products developed within the SCALE project.

 

CBE JU STAKEHOLDER FORUM

The SCALE project was among the CBE JU projects showcased at the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum which took place in Brussels on December 6^th and 7^th. More than 500 industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and bioeconomy stakeholders gathered for a two-day exploration of the future of the circular bio-based economy in Europe. The SCALE project proudly showcased its project samples in a special exhibition with two different dedicated stands: one on our cosmetic products and one on our cognitive supplements. Julie Person, Project coordinator and communication corporate at our coordinator Microphyt shared her experience in two different sessions: “How to facilitate access to finance to scale up circular bio-based production in Europe?” and “Overcoming the challenges of biorefineries”.

ALGA EUROPE

The European Algae Biomass Association (EABA) organized the Alga Europe 2023 edition in Prague between the 12^th and 15^th December. The project had a strong presence in the conference. Microphyt showcased its products and the SCALE project on its stand and Clémence Thébaud, R&D Engineer in charge of the development of cosmetic ingredients at Microphyt gave an oral presentation on Wednesday 13^th on the topic of “From microalgae to the cosmetic market, focus on Microphyt expertise”.

The SCALE project proudly unveiled its first official video at the inaugural EU Algae Awareness Summit in Paris on October 5th. This unprecedented event serves as a platform to enlighten EU Member States’ administrations and the general public about the various benefits that algae can contribute to national and regional economies, as well as to the restoration of our oceans. The three-day summit witnessed the active participation of project coordinator Microphyt, who engaged in insightful discussions on the critical role of microalgae in addressing global challenges.

 

 

The project’s official video, a dynamic motion design presentation, offers a comprehensive overview of the SCALE project, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing microalgae development in Europe. The video showcases the Scale project’s applications, impacts, and the collaborative consortium at the heart of its success. It was published on Scale’s website and social media and has also been continuously looping on screens at the EU Algae Summit.

 

 

 

 

At the heart of the SCALE project is a visionary approach to tackle challenges posed by climate change and rapid population growth. Recognizing the need for sustainable ingredient production to meet the demands of consumers, SCALE looks to the oceans for innovative solutions. Microalgae, a highly promising source of aquatic biomass, presents itself as a key player in addressing these challenges, finding applications in nutrition, well-being, and beyond.

However, despite their immense potential, only a fraction of microalgae species is currently produced globally. Enter the cutting-edge CAMARGUE photobioreactor technology, developed and patented by Microphyt. This technology propels the SCALE project toward large-scale production of a diverse range of microalgae species, opening up new possibilities for applications in food, food supplements, feed, and cosmetics.

The video showcases how the SCALE project aims to build and operate a flagship plant, pioneering the large-scale production of high-nutritional-value ingredients derived from untapped microalgae diversity. This revolutionary step is made possible by the transfer of CAMARGUE photobioreactor technology from demonstration to an industrial plant, signaling a leap forward in the sustainable production of diverse ingredients.

Supported by the  BBI JU program, the SCALE project brings together a consortium of 11 partners, forming an integrated value chain from microalgae production to end-use applications. The collaborative effort aims not only to diversify ingredients but also to achieve large-scale production, thereby addressing the pressing needs of a growing global population.

 

Interested by the project? Follow the SCALE project’s LinkedIn page to stay tuned to its progress and receive updates on the latest developments.

The SCALE project held its 2^nd General Meeting on the 28th and 29th of June 2023 in Baillargues (France) on Microphyt’s premises. This event was the opportunity for all project partners to observe the plant construction advancements and to exchange on the project’s progress to prepare the next steps. To know more about it, check the content below!

 

Plant construction advancements

The construction of the flagship plant has advanced successfully. The Part A of the industrial plant has been completed, increasing the microalgae cultivation capacity of Microphyt to 243m3. Additionally, the downstream process (DSP) for ingredient production is now fully operational. In 2022, work on the box structure continued, with equipment being installed within it.
Evolys, a technology provider partner, was deeply involved this year by providing LED design, ensuring efficient energy consumption and optimal conditions for the culture. Sunti has conducted an energy diagnosis, resulting in improved energy efficiency. As part of this, a photovoltaic (PV) panel system has been designed to be deployed on the roof of the SCALE plant. A 300KWC solar PV will be installed by the end of the year 2023.

 

Ingredient formulation for various applications advancements

Significant progress was made by MICROPHYT R&D & Products Team together with the 4 industrial partners for the development on the targeted applications of the Scale project: cosmetics, food, food supplements, and feed.
Regarding the use of Microphyt cosmetic bioactive ingredients, these are tested by Chanel Perfume & Beauty. To do this, Chanel Perfume & Beauty evaluates various parameters such as regulatory aspects, stability through the integration of Microphyt ingredients into their makeup and skincare products, safety and effectiveness through specific studies. Chanel have worked intensely on those steps and is evaluating four bioactive ingredients.
For the food application, the objective is to increase microalgae awareness, acceptability, and integration in food, through innovative nutrition. The first step of the LYFE Institute  partner (formerly named Paul Bocuse Institute Research Centre) was to study the European consumers perception of microalgae in food. In addition to social networks, a survey was carried out among consumers, star chefs in the gastronomy and professionals in food industry across Europe. The results were presented in April in Lisbon at the European Algae Industry Summit.
On the food supplements products, firstly with Plameca and then with Hedelab, significant work has been done on the galenic formulation of the various Microphyt ingredients (BrainPhyt™, GamePhyt™,…) in order to meet the expectations and requirements of this specific market. (liquid shots, monolayer tablets, capsules, …).
Lastly, Lallemand Animal Nutrition for feed application has identified good opportunities to valorize Microphyt’s coproducts and made important progress in assessing the efficiency of coproducts for various target species. The next steps will involve testing the efficacy of these coproducts on other animals, to evaluate their potential benefits and ensure optimal presentation.
In parallel, the LCSA activities has started to provide a holistic view of the sustainability of SCALE value chains. To do so, the first task implemented by Tecnalia was to collect and gather the necessary data from the relevant partners, mainly related to the production phases of the microalgae-based ingredients.
Bioeconomy For Change and PNO Consultants continue to work respectively on implementing the communication and dissemination to promote the project and its developments. The preparation of the exploitation phase for the delivery of the ingredients in high-volume thanks to the upscale of the plant is on going.

 

Launch of new microalgae-based ingredients

Microphyt has launched, in the last 12 months, 3 new bioactive ingredients on the market: 2 for Advanced Beauty and 1 for Novel Nutrition. Last part of the General Assembly was the opportunity for the Marketing team to present them to all the project partners who were gifted with some cosmetic end-product prototypes.
PhycoAge™ and PhycoSi™, the two new cosmetic bioactive ingredients, offer new solutions and unique benefits for the beauty industry.  PhycoAge™, is specifically formulated to address anti-ageing concerns. Microphyt relied on its expertise in microalgae and in particular its over 10 years of knowledge of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a species with little-known anti-aging properties linked to its eternal youth heritage. This 3-in-1 anti-aging ingredient contains, among others, two powerful marine compounds: fucoxanthin and EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid), which are capable of regulating cell communication and reactivating the synthesis of essential elements for a firmer and lifted skin.
Always looking for more sustainable solutions, Microphyt’s R&D team successfully developed a process allowing the reuse of PhycoAge™ manufacturing co-product and thus valorize a new fraction of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum: silicium, an essential element of its wall allowing it to form a protective barrier against the external environment. As such, Microphyt came up with PhycoSi™, an upcycled bioactive ingredient containing bioavailable marine silicium, which recharges the dermis in depth and restores the skin on the surface and stands out as a fundamental skin reviver.
The new nutraceutical bioactive ingredient, called GamePhyt™ is an innovative ingredient specifically designed to boost cognitive performance. It is the first 100% natural bioactive complex clinically studied on experienced gamers with high cognitive abilities. This unique and patented ingredient is a smart combination of a microalgae extract and a botanical extract, specifically formulated to support the daily cognitive needs in a stressful environment. Indeed, it aims to enhance various aspects of cognitive performance, including: accuracy, reaction time, focus, decision making, processing speed, mental energy and has even proven to support quality of life parameters such as mood, sleep quality and visual comfort.  This ingredient is backed by extensive research and efficacy studies, including pre-clinical and clinical trials, to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Stay tuned to Scale’s to be updated on the project in the forthcoming months that will be full of events!

 

Microalgae are an ideal solution when it comes to meeting environmental challenges and consumers’ high expectations in terms of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Here’s an overview of the benefits of these super ingredients.

 

As the world’s population grows and the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels becomes more pressing, microalgae are emerging as a viable alternative. Microalgae were among the first life forms to appear on Earth, creating oxygen through photosynthesis and laying the foundation for all plant life on our planet. These microscopic marine organisms are now being researched for their potential in multiple fields, including nutrition, environmental science, well-being and cosmetics. With their ability to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, high nutritional value, and potential for industrial applications, microalgae are becoming a promising solution for a sustainable blue future. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of microalgae and how they can be integrated into our daily lives.

 

The Environmental Benefits of Microalgae: A Promising Solution for Sustainable Development

The environmental benefits of microalgae are numerous and particularly promising in terms of sustainable agriculture. One of the most significant advantages of microalgae is their high biomass yield and their ability to grow quickly. As a result, they can produce more protein using less time and resources, as well as less land, water, and other inputs, compared to traditional crops and livestock. Microalgae have been found to be capable of producing more than twice the amount of protein contained in soya beans. Furthermore, microalgae can be grown in various locations, including areas that are unsuitable for traditional crops, such as deserts and arid regions, without competing with other crops for land. As a result, microalgae-based systems can help reduce pressure on natural resources, minimize land use, and promote sustainable agriculture. Microalgae, through the process of photosynthesis, utilize sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, enabling their growth and development. This ability of microalgae to fix high quantity of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere offers significant environmental benefits, making them a promising resource for mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the high biomass yield and efficiency of microalgae make them an excellent solution for addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today, and they have the potential to play a significant role in creating a greener, more sustainable future.

 

The Nutritional Benefits of Microalgae: A Promising Future for the Food Industry

Microalgae are often referred to as « superfoods » due to their exceptional nutritional profile. First step in the aquatic food chain, their strength lies in their capacity to naturally generate and concentrate a significant number of active compounds, including carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, trace minerals (such as copper, iron, and zinc), mineral salts, carotenoids, and additional antioxidants. More importantly, microalgae are a rich source of protein, with some species containing up to 70% protein by weight. This high protein content makes microalgae a particularly valuable source of nutrition for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to meet their protein requirements through a plant-based diet. Furthermore, microalgae are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health, reducing oxidative stress, and improving brain function.  These fatty acids are originally synthesized by microalgae and typically found in fish oil via the food chain. In addition, microalgae offer an incredible source of bioactive molecules, providing high-value nutritional ingredients with powerful benefits for health and well-being. For instance, Fucoxanthin is a molecule found naturally in some algae and microalgae, such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum. This pigment from the carotenoid family is a powerful antioxidant which protects the body’s cells from free radicals and therefore also from the effects of aging. Microalgae are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, making them a valuable component of a healthy, balanced diet and offer a more sustainable, plant-based alternative.

Thanks to their benefits, microalgae can diversify the sector of food supplements in many segments such as cognition, sports nutrition, weight management, joint health, digestive comfort and overall immunity, providing safe products with nutritional and health benefits for the end user.

Microalgae also show great promise in the field of animal nutrition. The need for protein sources for livestock, especially for aquaculture, is a major environmental concern. The traditional sources of protein for animal feed are often associated with resource-intensive production processes that can result in deforestation, habitat loss, and overfishing. Microalgae represent a promising sustainable solution to replace a portion of the current livestock feed, which predominantly comprises animal meal, along with vegetable meal.

 

Beyond Nutrition: The Many Benefits of Microalgae

The unique properties of microalgae make them a versatile and sustainable source of raw materials for a range of applications in various industries. One of the most significant and fastest-growing sectors is the cosmetics industry, where microalgae-derived ingredients are increasingly used in skin and hair care products. Microalgae, due to the specific active compounds they contain, make it possible to open new territories of innovation and demonstrate their remarkable potential for various activities: anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, reshaping, firming, moisturizing, skin protection properties and so on. While it is still an evolving area that requires further research, microalgae also exhibit potential across various sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, the wastewater treatment sector, the field of biofertilizers, and the biomaterials industry. Overall, the diverse applications of microalgae highlight their potential to contribute to a more sustainable and healthier future.

 

The SCALE Project’s Role in Unlocking the Full Potential of Microalgae

Although microalgae offer numerous benefits, their cultivation is a relatively new field, and further research and development are needed to fully harness their potential. Currently, there are only a handful of species being produced on a large scale for various industries, and there is no industrial production site that efficiently utilizes the exceptional biodiversity of microalgae that are readily available to transform them into natural ingredients. However, the SCALE project aims to address this gap by building and operating a the first-fully integrated biorefinery that utilizes the untapped diversity of microalgae to produce high-value ingredients for the food, food supplements, feed, and cosmetics sectors. This initiative aims to establish economically-sound and environmentally-friendly processes to promote the use of microalgae in various industries. To achieve this goal, the SCALE project gathers 11 key EU and international partners in an integrated value chain from microalgae production to high value ingredients extraction of bioactives compounds and end-use applications in food, food supplements, feed, and cosmetic domains.

 

Would you be interested in exploring additional information on microalgae?

Here are some articles for you:

• Exceptional microalgae: 3 questions about Phaeodactylum tricornutum
• Tisochrysis lutea, a golden Tahitian microalgae with beneficial properties
• Porphyridium cruentum: 5 amazing properties of this remarkable microalgae attractive for the cosmetic
• The upscale and exploration of new high-value ingredients from microalgae

Sources:

• https://microphyt.eu/nutrition-well-being-the-power-of-microalgae/
• https://microbialcellfactories.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12934-018-0879-x#Sec22
• https://www.pro-future.eu/news/microalgae-what-are-they-and-how-to-grow-and-use-them
• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-ambika-h-d-809783a9_biotechnology-environmental-foodactivity7032254775916158976Hh5Y?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

SCALE project won the prestigious « CBE impact 2023 » photo competition in the « Biobased production processes » category. Organized by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), this competition showcased the remarkable impacts of 20 projects, both ongoing and completed, funded by the public-private partnership. Through the submission of high-quality photos and videos in seven distinct categories, the participants effectively conveyed the essence and significance of their initiatives.

A total of 95 visuals were submitted by the participants for the first five categories, highlighting specific aspects such as the projects’ impact and their diverse applications. The sixth category was dedicated to short videos, while the winners of the seventh category was determined by a vote from the CBE JU community on LinkedIn.

To evaluate the entries, the competition jury, composed of experts from the European Commission, the Bio-Based Industries Consortium (BIC), and the CBE JU Program Office, meticulously considered criteria pertaining to the projects’ connection with CBE JU, as well as the creativity, quality, and composition of the images.

The award-winning photo from the SCALE project highlights the cutting-edge CAMARGUE photobioreactor technology developed and patented by Microphyt, located in Baillargues, France. This innovative technology is up-scaled during the project to produce 100 tons of high-value ingredients for nutraceuticals anc cosmetics and  plays a pivotal role in advancing biobased production processes, thereby unveiling exciting new horizons in these fields.

In recognition of their outstanding achievement, the winners of the competition, has been cordially invited by CBE JU to attend the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology (EFIB) conference taking place in Rotterdam on 24-25 October 2023. This prestigious conference provides an unparalleled platform for presenting their groundbreaking projects, fostering exchanges of ideas, and further stimulate innovation within the field of biotechnology.

Thanks to their success in the « CBE impact 2023 » photo competition, SCALE and the other co-funded CBE Projects continue to demonstrate their commitment to the development of sustainable and bio-based solutions, which are essential to meet current environmental and economic challenges.

Today, it is estimated between 200,000 and 1 million species of microalgae on earth and 35,000 have been identified in international strain libraries. Among them, less than 10 microalgae are cultivated at large scale in standard production systems. The company Microphyt have successfully cultivated close to 50 different strains in its laboratory, and more than fifteen of these microalgae are regularly produced at large scale.  This represents an important source of novel active ingredients for cosmetic and nutraceutical markets and provides a portfolio of more than 35 potentiel ingredients in development. Discover in this article an overview of the latest innovative ingredients developed from adaptative microalgae and their benefits.

 

AN EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY

CAMARGUE is a unique and proprietary technology patented by Microphyt, based on the hydro-biomimetic principle. Mimicking nature’s most efficient growth conditions, it takes advantage of the full biological potential of microalgae while ensuring a high level of control. A CAMARGUE-based demonstration facility is already in operation at Microphyt and has positioned the company as a global leader capable of producing the broadest diversity of microalgae species at industrial scale. This platform leverages the amazing biodiversity of microalgae, and their unique bioactives which offer numerous solutions for nutrition and wellbeing.

The aim of SCALE project is to deploy this technology into industrial flagship plant (TRL8) able to produce each year more than 100 tons of high-value ingredients from microalgae.

It is planned that SCALE project will deliver at industrial stage about 8 to 10 high value added ingredients, some of them currently being tested by the project partners and other still in development for food, food supplement, feed and cosmetics applications.

 

CUTTING EDGE NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Regarding their “novel nutrition” portfolio, Microphyt has recently received the results of the first fully completed clinical trial on human validating the benefits of their ingredient GamePhytTM on many parameters of the cognitive function among experienced e-gamers. Two other clinical studies are currently on-going with BrainPhyt™ ingredient on elderly population. Results are expected for mid-2023.

 

Brainphyt TM

Brainphyt TM is a natural bioactive compound derived from the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, produced in Microphyt’s facilities, in an environmentally controlled eco-friendly photobioreactors free of GMO, pollutants, or pesticides. Its unique and patented composition is the product of 4 years of systematic research, vigorous testing, and product innovation that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America in 2019. This unique ingredient represents a major breakthrough for the food supplement market, with proven key benefits to significantly improve cognitive performance such as short and long-term memory, enhance learning and also to support the reduction of brain cells’ oxidative stress. They efficacy of BrainPhyt™ has been demonstrated through 7 preclinical studies so far and two human clinical trials are currently running.

 

GamePhyt TM

GamePhyt TM is the first bioactive complex which is 100% natural and has been specifically designed for, and clinically studied on experienced e-gamers. This unique and patented ingredient is a smart combination of a microalgae extract (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and a botanical extract (Guarana) that lead to a means of boosting e-gamers’ performance and skills. This patented and unique ingredient has been studied on over 60 experienced e-gamers as part of a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial with an improvement of cognitive performance after a single dose and after 30-day supplementation. GamePhyt™ has shown to significantly increase focus, alertness, accuracy and reaction time; improves decision making and processing speed; reduces mental fatigue and support enhancement of sleep quality and visual comfort. All of this, with no side effects. GamePhyt™ has officially been launched during the SUPPLY SIDE WEST 2022 trade show in Las Vegas (November 2022).

 

For advanced beauty, 3 new products were launched recently:

Luteana TM

Based on its research on cognitive and systemic health, Microphyt has developed an innovative approach to sensitive skin using a Tahitian golden microalgae species, Tisochrysis lutea, which has an extraordinary ability to adapt since it is considered sensitive yet it lives in a stressful environment, i.e. hot waters with a high salt and acidity content. Based on its unique sustainable technology, Microphyt developed Luteana™, a precious oily extract containing powerful compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, sterols and xanthophylls, namely fucoxanthin, to rebalance and lastingly relieve sensitive skin.

 

Renouvellance TM

Adopting a biomimetic approach, Microphyt was inspired by a resilient and adaptogen red microalgae, Porphyridium cruentum, capable of protecting itself to survive in extreme environments for millions of years. By exploring the defense mechanisms of red microalgae elaborated millions years ago and shared with humans, Microphyt has designed Renouvellance™, an innovative active ingredient able to activate the skin’s natural defenses response and shield cells to better face external stressors. Thus, the complexion is evened out and the skin has a healthier appearance. Obtained thanks to Microphyt’s sustainable patented technology, Renouvellance™ contains a high content in 2 synergic compounds: phycoerythrin, a pink antioxidant pigment able to absorb light energy and boost natural defenses & exopolysaccharides, a marine polymer able to chelate heavy metal and maintain cell’s structure.

 

PhycoSi TM

Always looking for more sustainable solutions, Microphyt has succeeded in developing a process for extracting the silicium contained in a manufacturing co-product and thus recycling a diatom extract intended for disposal. This new upcycled bioactive ingredient launched in November 2022 contains bioavailable marine silicium that show a two-step actions: 1) it deeply recharges and restructure the dermis. Thus, the dermis density is increased and the skin elasticity and firmness are improved;2) it protects and restores skin at the surface by improving the skin exfoliation and smoothing the cutaneous microrelief. PhycoSi™ stands out as a fundamental skin reviver.

 

PhycoAge TM

PhycoAge™ is a cutting-edge bioactive compound sourced from microalgae through state-of-the-art photobioreactors in an environmentally controlled facility. This unique and patented ingredient is the result of extensive research, innovation, and rigorous testing, culminating in a revolutionary breakthrough for the skincare industry. PhycoAge™ has been meticulously formulated to combat the signs of aging, offering remarkable benefits such as enhanced skin elasticity, reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and a radiant complexion. With its natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable production process, PhycoAge™ embodies Microphyt’s commitment to delivering effective, safe, and environmentally conscious solutions.

 

Discover more information about these ingredients on the website https://microphyt.eu/ and meet Microphyt’s team at AlgaEurope Conference in Rome, 13-15th December 2022: In 2023, they will participate in CosmetAgora in Paris, 10-11th January 2023 Booth 46 and “Sports And Active Nutrition Summit USA 2023” in San Diego, 15-17th February as Gold Sponsor to present GamePhyt product.

On 22^nd and 23^rd of June SCALE brought its 11 European partners together in Baillargues, South of France, for their first General Assembly. This event was the opportunity for the consortium to present all the results of their work, such as the beginning of the construction of the plant with a dedicated visit, the launch of two bio-inspired cosmetic solutions, and the first clinical study results in food supplement.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF SCALE PLANT: THE WORK HAS BEGUN!

This flagship plant scale-up the microalgae production process from demonstration scale to Flagship industrial scale with an annual capacity production of more than 100 tons of high-value ingredients.

The plant will deliver large scale production of Microphyt’s ingredients for the food, food supplements, feed and cosmetics sectors. Its construction began at Microphyt’s facility in France in September 2021 and represents the first-of-its-kind fully-integrated microalgae biorefinery at an industrial scale.

The biorefinery aims to implement sustainable processes to convert microalgae biomasses into a variety of ingredients.

 

WORK IN PROGRESS

Over its first year, the efforts of the consortium were concentrated on the new plant design and start of the building. 3000m2 of the plant is now achieved with the creation of 15 new jobs. Microphyt worked closely together with Evolys and Sunti respectively for the design of LED-based lightening solution and the energy diagnosis to analyse the thermal and power demand of the extended site.

New microalgae-based ingredients have already been tested by the industrial partners for the targeted applications: Institut Paul Bocuse Research centre for food, Plameca for food supplements, Lallemand Animal Nutrition for feed and Chanel Perfume & Beauty for cosmetics.

On their side, Tecnalia and Nutrasteward started their evaluation of the life cycle sustainability assessment and regulatory frameworks respectively. B4C worked closely with Microphyt and all the partners to launch the visual identity of the project and its related media: website, Linkedin and Twitter accounts, flyer and poster. In order to reinforce the dissemination strategy, PNO started the identification of the relevant stakeholders within and around SCALE value chains.

The next steps will continue to deliver new microalgae & ingredients as well as accelerating the work programs on.

 

CUTTING EDGE NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Microphyt develops, produces and markets microalgae-based ingredients for Advanced Beauty and Novel Nutrition. Since the Kick-off of the project in June 2021, Microphyt has received the results of the first clinical study in Novel nutrition and launched 2 new products in Advanced Beauty: Luteana™ and Renouvellance™. Stay tuned for more information about these innovative ingredients !

 

Read the press release

The EU Green Week is one of the main European events dedicated to environmental policy, which occurs yearly. In 2022, the priority was given to “the European Green Deal – the EU’s sustainable and transformative growth strategy for a resource-efficient and climate-neutral Europe by 2050“. In that context, from May 30 to June 5, 2022, various virtual events, two days of conferences and several virtual exhibitions were organised.

 

The European Green Week initiative

The EU Green Week is the key event in the EU environment policy calendar in early June. This annual opportunity  to debate and discuss European environmental policy attracts policymakers, leading environmentalists, stakeholders and other interested parties from across Europe and the globe.

Down the years, EU Green Week delivered on its objectives, improving the understanding of EU environmental policies, feeding into debates about their development, and improving the overall image of the EU among citizens and stakeholders around Europe.

This year, the European Green week  focused on the ‘European Green Deal’. It was articulated around a high level debate on what happens to the EU environmental policy in times of crisis and three important aspects of the transformation – circular economy, zero pollution, and biodiversity. Dedicated events were organized throughout the week by the European Commission, but also by independent entities.

 

SCALE contribution

SCALE is an interesting example of how the bio-based industry is helping to replace non-renewable fossil resources with “waste” and accelerate the chemical industry transition to circularity.

SCALE will allow a greater independence from raw materials by supporting the emergence of microalgae as a commercial renewable feedstock to be used as a natural alternative to synthetic compounds, animal extracts and petroleum derivatives in the food, food supplements, feed and cosmetics sectors.

The project will help to reduce greenhouse emission, as the cultivation of microalgae does not emit any greenhouse gas, and partners will investigate ways to optimize energy efficiency and to reduce carbon emissions from the industrial activities of the plant.

SCALE will aslo help to replace fossil-based material with biobased, renewable material (contribution to the EU’s 2050 long-term strategy for a climate-neutral Europe), by offering credible, novel, natural and renewable microalgae-based alternatives to fossil-based products in cosmetics (petroleum-based ingredients used for texturing and silicone oils), food supplements and feed (synthetic carotenoids), bringing the same or better properties with less i

About SCALE – Key Takeaways

Microphyt, a leading company in the production and marketing of microalgae-based bioactive ingredients is announcing the launch of SCALE to accommodate new products roll out and growing demand:

• It will deliver large scale sustainable production of Microphyt’s natural specialty ingredients for nutrition, food & beverage, personal care, and wellness industries.
• Its construction begins at Microphyt’s facility in France in 2021 and represents the first-of-its-kind fully-integrated microalgae biorefinery at an industrial scale.
• SCALE has received a grant of €15m; the single largest award from the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking for sustainable aquatic production.

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