EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND — MiAlgae announced mid-April the official launch of its Omega 3 microalgae ingredient, NaturAlgae, which can be applied in aquaculture feed and pet food. NaturAlgae is a dry powder ingredient rich in DHA and offers other health benefits for fish and companion animals, according to the company.

MiAlgae’s microalgae process involves upcycling co-products of the Scotch whisky industry — such as pot ale — and turning them into feedstock for the microalgae it then turns into animal feed ingredients. The company’s recent partnership with Falkirk Distillery will allow it to support its growing microalgae ingredient business, as well as sustainability. 

From top: Ben Horton, head of production; Douglas Martin, managing director and founder; Jamie Gilman, head of R&D; Johann Partridge, Ph.D., operations director; Scott Parker, quality systems manager; Polly Douglas, business development manager; and Shreekanth Ramananthan, technical director.

| Source: Martin Shields Photography

In addition, the company recently added eight new bioreactors, located north of Glasgow, which will allow the ingredient provider to produce hundreds of tonnes of Omega 3 powder ingredients annually at its now-expanded facility in Scotland. The company is finalizing the commission process for these new bioreactors and continues to build its relationships with commercial aquaculture and pet food customers to meet growing demand for algae-based ingredients.

“This expansion of our commercial production site marks a huge milestone on our journey to champion the circular economy,” said Douglas Martin, managing director and founder at MiAlgae. “With the addition of our new equipment, we are now able to take our product to market at a meaningful scale with significant headroom to grow.”

According to MiAlgae, the output of a single distillery allows the company to save 80,000 tonnes of CO₂, recycle 14.4 million liters of water, and protect tens of thousands of tonnes of fish each year. The company’s philosophy aims to reduce the global burden on wild-caught fish — the traditional source for Omega 3 ingredients — and prevent the loss of ocean ecosystems.

“We are lucky to have a highly experienced and passionate team who share our vision of a more sustainable future,” Martin added. “Huge thanks go to them for their hard work in getting to this exciting point.”

To support the expansion and expected growth, MiAlgae has appointed Polly Douglas business development manager of the company. Douglas brings two decades of innovation management, nutrition and aquaculture experience to the table, having recently worked at Deep Branch Biotechnology Ltd., a gas fermentation company.

Polly Douglas, business development manager at MiAlgae.

| Source: Martin Shields Photography 

“Having 20 years of experience ranging from innovation management, nutrition and aquaculture, this role helps me to consolidate my expertise and support the commercial activities at MiAlgae,” Douglas said.

Douglas managed a group of projects funded by multi-million pound grants at Deep Branch. Her previous experience includes managing funding for the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre’s (SAIC) industry-led research projects in Stirling.

“Joining at this exciting time, as production is increasing and our technology is proven, it’s great to be able to get out there and engage with customers,” she added. “My role will be to identify strategic partners and future development opportunities, as well as develop an understanding of additional products in as yet un-identified markets.”  

Martin added, “It’s great to have Polly on board at MiAlgae. She joins us at a time where we are making strides to full commercialization of the technology. With her breadth of experience, Polly’s know-how will be invaluable in helping us to achieve our growth aspirations.”

Read more about product development, ingredients and formulation.