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À l’occasion du sommet ChangeNOW 2026, organisé à Paris du 30 mars au 1er avril, la Global Seaweed Coalition et la Fondation CNRS se mobilisent pour promouvoir un développement durable et structuré du secteur des algues. Cet événement international, dédié aux solutions pour la planète, constitue une vitrine stratégique pour mettre en lumière le potentiel écologique, économique et social des algues.

Soutenue par la Lloyd’s Register Foundation, le Pacte mondial des Nations Unies et le CNRS, la Global Seaweed Coalition rassemble des acteurs du monde entier issus de l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur. Son objectif est de libérer tout le potentiel des algues en favorisant la coopération internationale, l’innovation scientifique et le partage de bonnes pratiques.

Les algues représentent en effet une ressource clé pour répondre à plusieurs défis contemporains, qu’il s’agisse de sécurité alimentaire, de transition énergétique ou de préservation des écosystèmes marins. Leur culture et leur transformation offrent des perspectives importantes en matière de développement durable, tout en contribuant à la résilience des territoires côtiers.

La participation de la Fondation CNRS à ChangeNOW 2026 s’inscrit dans sa mission de soutien aux laboratoires et aux chercheurs du CNRS. En tant que vecteur de mécénat en France et à l’international, elle mobilise entreprises et particuliers afin de financer des projets scientifiques à fort impact. Sa collaboration avec la Global Seaweed Coalition illustre cette volonté de renforcer les synergies entre recherche académique et acteurs économiques.

À travers cette mobilisation conjointe, les partenaires entendent structurer durablement la filière des algues, encourager l’investissement responsable et soutenir l’émergence de solutions innovantes fondées sur la science. Leur présence à ChangeNOW 2026 vise ainsi à fédérer les parties prenantes autour d’une vision commune pour l’avenir du secteur des algues, en mettant la recherche et la coopération internationale au cœur des transformations nécessaires.

Ireland’s seaweed sector is advancing into high value health and wellness markets with the launch of the country’s first nutraceutical range made from native red seaweed (Palmaria palmata or dulse) by marine biotech company Pure Ocean Algae.

Based in West Cork, the company has introduced three products targeting hair and nail health, cognitive support, and hormone balance, following several years of R&D and human trials in collaboration with the University of Limerick. Early research indicates benefits related to metabolic and digestive health, supporting its move into functional foods and supplements.

A key differentiator is Pure Ocean Algae’s end-to-end production system, covering hatchery, cultivation, and processing. This enables consistent quality, traceability, and enhanced bioactive properties, which are critical for nutraceutical applications.

Dulse is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals (iodine, magnesium, iron), antioxidants, and micronutrients, making it a valuable ingredient for health products. The company plans to expand beyond Ireland and the UK into EU and Asian markets in 2026.

The initiative highlights the growing potential of seaweed as a sustainable, regenerative resource that requires no land, freshwater, or fertilisers. With increased investment and scaling efforts, Pure Ocean Algae aims to position Ireland as a global leader in seaweed-based wellness, while supporting coastal economic development and innovation in marine biotechnology.

Pure Ocean Algae, a West Cork based marine biotechnology company, has launched Ireland’s first nutraceutical range made from cultivated native red seaweed (Palmaria palmata), marking a shift toward high value marine derived wellness products.

The new range includes three capsule based supplements targeting hair and nail health, cognitive function, and hormone balance, all free from artificial additives. The products are backed by early human trials conducted with the University of Limerick, supporting their functional health benefits.

Founded in 2019 by Michael O’Neill, the company has developed an end to end production system covering hatchery, cultivation and processing. This ensures quality, traceability, and enhanced bioactive properties, differentiating cultivated seaweed from wild harvested varieties.

Red seaweed is valued for its proteins, amino acids, essential minerals and antioxidants, making it suitable for nutraceutical applications. The company is leveraging seaweed’s sustainability advantages, as it requires no land, freshwater or fertilisers.

Following its launch in Ireland and the UK, Pure Ocean Algae plans to expand into EU and Asian markets, supported by recent private investment to scale production. The development highlights growing momentum in Ireland’s seaweed sector and the broader opportunity for science driven, high value marine ingredients in global health and wellness markets.

Japan’s edible seaweed (nori) industry is facing a major crisis due to declining production and sharply rising prices, driven largely by climate change. Rising sea temperatures have disrupted cultivation cycles, delaying farming start times and shortening the growing season. Warmer waters have also increased fish activity, leading to greater crop damage from species like black sea bream.

As a result, nori production has dropped significantly, with fiscal 2024 output at 5.94 billion sheets, nearly half of 2001 levels. At the same time, wholesale prices have surged to record highs, more than doubling since 2020. Companies such as Yamamotoyama and Shirako have raised product prices by 20% to 36%, while some producers are sourcing nori from multiple regions due to supply shortages.

The price surge is impacting downstream markets, notably onigiri (rice balls), a staple food in Japan. Major convenience store chains like Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson have increased prices and are introducing nori-free alternatives to manage costs.

Industry stakeholders warn that the situation remains highly uncertain, with limited short-term solutions. While the government is working on heat-resistant nori varieties, commercialization will take time. Experts suggest interim measures such as protecting crops from fish damage and exploring new cultivation areas.

Overall, the crisis highlights the vulnerability of seaweed supply chains to environmental changes, with significant implications for food systems and pricing.

Royal Houweling and Kelp Blue have announced a strategic distribution agreement for the Dutch market, focused on the product StimBlue+. The partnership brings together Royal Houweling, a family-owned company based in Bleiswijk, and Kelp Blue, an international frontrunner in seaweed cultivation.

StimBlue+ is a biological product developed to enhance plant resilience and improve soil quality. Through the agreement, Royal Houweling will distribute StimBlue+ to growers within its established network, expanding access to sustainable cultivation solutions across the Netherlands.

The collaboration strengthens Kelp Blue’s commercial reach during its current growth phase by aligning with a partner that offers both scale and strong market presence. Royal Houweling’s distribution capabilities and established relationships with growers are expected to accelerate the adoption of the product.

Kelp Blue cultivates giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and focuses on developing applications that contribute to sustainable agriculture. By integrating StimBlue+ into its portfolio, Royal Houweling enhances its range of environmentally conscious products aimed at supporting plant health and soil vitality.

According to Marc Houweling, Director/Owner of Royal Houweling, there was an immediate connection between the two companies during their first meeting, with both parties recognizing a shared vision and complementary proposition. He emphasized that through this partnership, Royal Houweling will bring StimBlue+ to growers and horticultural producers within its distribution network, thereby broadening access to sustainable solutions.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture. By combining Kelp Blue’s expertise in seaweed-based biological solutions with Royal Houweling’s strong customer focus and distribution infrastructure, the companies aim to support growers in strengthening crop resilience and improving soil conditions through natural inputs.

SeaDyes, a pioneering startup developing seaweed-based fabric dyes, has entered the Company Creation phase of Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme, securing £200,000 in funding.

A seasonal rotation strategy using different red seaweed species could help stabilise biomass production and nutrient biofiltration in land-based Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) systems. This is the conclusion of a new study examining how three commercially important macroalgae respond to changes in temperature and nutrient availability.