The 7th European Algae Industry Summit was held in Nice, France in April. The two-day event, previously known as the European Algae Biomass Conference, brought together key players within the algae industry including leaders from food, feed, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The goal of the summit was to gain a deeper understanding of recent industry developments and, most importantly, economically viable applications, according to organizers.
Among the key topics for discussion during the event were the advantages of microalgae in cosmetics, an application area where Natura-Tec has been significantly involved and has dedicated significant resources to R&D and marketing activities together with sister companies within the APG Group. Prior the conference, summit delegates had the opportunity to visit he APG facility in Camporosso (Ligurian Riviera, Italy), in Frejus, on the French Riviera. The Camporosso site, not far from Natura-Tec, is one of the largest microalgae farming units in Europe in terms of size and capacity. Together with the team of the biomass and microalgae production technology company of the APG Group based in Camporosso, Natura-Tec hosted the tour of the fully integrated microalgae, energy and biorefinery plant, designed and developed as an advanced, sustainable production unit, energetically independent.
Two different technologies are utilized on site: photobioreactors and ponds. All production units are covered and protected within dedicated greenhouses and the production chain complies with the HACCP protocol. The production plant strategy is to develop different technologies to obtain a flexible system suitable for the cultivation of several strains of microalgae based on a true industrial scale concept of sustainability. The event was a clear success and helped showcase APG Group’s significant technological advances, quality supply chain and forward looking investments in this particular industrial segment which are at the base of the innovation and efficacy of the marine actives developed and offered by Natura-Tec to the cosmetics market.