The common challenge in the 'green-blue sector' is the creation of value for every aspect of seaweed.
Whilst seaweed already has a sustainable outlook, and the NWE region is regarded as quite resource
efficient, still more effort and innovation should be put into creating a circular economy. In the case
of seaweed, most processors only focus on one aspect of seaweed while the leftovers are discarded
and incinerated, releasing CO2 in the proces. The overall objective of this project is to fully valorise
seaweed in the NWE region. By using both brown and green seaweed which are very common in the
NWE region, this project aims at creating a new innovative business case and a circular approach to
seaweed.
The main output of the project will be processing solutions for seaweed with the integrated
processes of Zeefier and BlueBlocks. Each project partner will be able to benefit from the valorisation
of seaweed. For Green Turtle value will be created for otherwise discarded components of seaweed.
Zeefier and BlueBlocks will receive a stable input stream for their respective process. UGent will be
able to research factors controlling growth and biochemical composition of seaweed, while at the
same creating value for their discards. Spaak will be able to create an innovative business case and
advise other stakeholders on said business case. As for interest group North Sea Farmers, they will
benefit by coordinating the project and informing stakeholders, ultimately upscaling the seaweed
sector.
The complementary and transnational approach of this project aims at combining the knowledge of
every partner in the participating countries in the best way possible. This will make sure the results of
the project are representable for the entire seaweed sector in the NWE area. Since at the moment
seaweed is regarded as sustainable, even while processors are only interested in single components,
this new outlook on valorising every aspect of seaweed can really elevate the sector to the next level.