Introducing Origin by Ocean
2022-05-23
Who are you and what is Origin by Ocean?
Origin by Ocean, founded in 2019, is a platform-based algae refining company. Our patented biorefining process makes it possible to extract valuable bio-based chemicals from harvested invasive algae and ecologically farmed seaweed. The organic algae-based products can substitute conventional chemical ingredients in food & beverage, cosmetics, hygiene, textiles and many other goods and materials.
What makes Origin by Ocean a North Sea Farmer?
We are motivated to build a business ecosystem of like-minded partners who work towards creating value while solving environmental issues in our oceans.
What could other North Sea Farmers approach you for?
We currently use cyanobacteria and Sargassum blooms - both products of excess nutrients in the seas - as a source of biomass. We also aim to develop a sustainable cultivation method for Fucus vesiculosus (Bladderwrack), which will help tackle the eutrophication problem of the Baltic Sea. This will provide us with sustainable and sufficiency of biomass sources to be used as feedstocks in the biorefinery process.
As we are trying to accomplish something which has not been done so far (farming F. vesiculosus), we are very interested in interactions where we can both learn from and help our neighbor seaweed farmers in the North Sea.
What is your greatest wish for the future regarding seaweed?
Our specific wish in this farming project is to be able to grow Fucus vesiculosus and make an impact in the local environment of the Baltic Sea. We want to not only develop high quality products but also to be involved in the conservation of the Baltic Bladderwrack and the improvement of the marine environmental conditions and ecosystem as a whole.
Our greatest wish for the future regarding seaweed is to keep healthy and growing populations of diverse macroalgae species that will contribute towards a sustainable economy while supporting healthy marine and coastal ecosystems.
Involved in this project are the COO Heikki Heiskanen, the marine biologists Ari Ruuskanen and Laura Cappelatti, and the environmental engineer Stefan Sjöholm.
