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How we create algae

Improved methods to cultivate algae go hand in hand with advanced technology to produce them extensively. Our high-yield algae can supply more and healthier food with our unique production processes that aim to be circular and sustainable at every step of the way.

Phycom’s system is based on four principles: quality, volume, economies of scale and sustainability, all underpinning our operations. Our unique technology yields high-quality products, keeping our costs low, even on a large scale. Maintaining our principles at all times.

Quality

Our algae cultivation technology is exceptional, and the production process diminishes contamination risk. The certified closed production system contains only single strand purified cultures; it is genuinely food grade. These are genome sequenced, so genuine algae strain cultivation is proven. The quality assurance system is GMP+ and FSSC 22000 certified 

Volume

On all the continents of our planet, we need enough food to feed all mouths. That is why the Phycom locations have a large-scale setup. The capacity of our facilities is currently 500 tonnes per year per plant. We have the ambition and envisaged improvements which result in a yearly presumed maximum of 1,700 tonnes output of dry algae biomass per location. And Phycom is growing; so join us on our journey.

Economies of Scale

We, as algae creators, currently operate two full-scale production facilities, which offer significant economic benefits. Phycom is one of Europe’s largest and most innovative algae producers resulting in very high delivery reliability. The economies of scale originate from in-house developed biological advancements and continuous process innovations. Above all, the closed system is season-independent and climatic-condition autonomous, securing a 24-7 year-round process.

Sustainability

Our microalgae strongly impact food production and consumption sustainability, which can be well understood using the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) framework. Analyses of our processes show that the Phycom processes link to 6 SDGs as set out by the United Nations. Please read the entire report here 
Some examples of our sustainability approach are re-using the downstream water flow; safeguarding water. Also, we prevent land depletion and transformation of terrestrial ecosystems because the facilities do not use fertile land.

Quality Volume Economies of scale and Sustainability

Phycom principles

Traditional microalgae cultivation faces several challenges. We have set up a four-way principle approach, showing how Phycom tackles these issues. Thus challenging the status quo of mass algae cultivation; guaranteeing food and feed safety, providing volumes that fit industry needs, securing processing which is economically feasible and all in keeping with the sustainability and circularity goals we set out.

The techniques to create food and feed safe algae
Our unique cultivation system lowers the traditionally associated high microalgae production costs. The Phycom processes secure high-yield output and continuous availability of different microalgae because the modular design allows us to cultivate multiple species simultaneously, minimising food production’s environmental effects. We monitor and control the growth from start to finish. The fully closed cultivation system ensures a continuous output; year-round, guaranteeing the availability of nutritious food ingredients. Read more about the step-by-step procesflow here.

Innovative product applications
We identify innovative product applications where algae’s functional and nutritional properties come into their own. Together with partners, such as Wageningen UR, we are involved in projects that study algae’s functionality, market applicability, and product applications. Also, research has been carried out – outside the influence of Phycom – in the feed segment. We published some inspiring papers on this subject here.

Join our journey
We work together with industry partners to unveil the true potential of microalgae. We want to step up our collaborations with people, food and feed producers who are like-minded. Working together to preserve our planet, produce healthier food, and tackle food shortages head-on. So join us