Veramaris algal oil biorefinery begins production of omega-3 fatty acids
Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.
Following a construction period of just two
years, Veramaris has commissioned its production plant in Blair (Nebraska, USA).
Through the fermentative manufacture of natural marine algae, the new plant
produces a special algal oil that contains the key omega-3 fatty acids needed
for healthy salmon farming.
Press release: “Unique facility begins production of
omega-3 fatty acids for sustainable salmon farming”, 10/7/2019.
Related posts:
- “Half-time for Veramaris algal oil
biorefinery in Nebraska”, 12/6/2018.
Figure 1. New Veramaris facility for the
production of omega-3 EPA and DHA from natural marine algae (taken from the
press release)
The two parent companies (DSM and Evonik) of Veramaris
have invested a total of 200 M$ in equal parts for the construction of the
plant. The initial algal oil quantity produced at the plant can sustainably
supply approximately 15% of the annual demand the global salmon-farming
industry has for the two omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
The production of the Veramaris oil is based on the natural algae strain Schizochytrium. The joint development of the strain and the process are the pillars of the new production plant. Evonik constructed the plant on site in Blair next to its existing facility, where it has been running a fermentation process to produce Biolys® (source of L-lysine) for many years now. The production complex benefits from many synergies in infrastructure, technology and personnel.
