Products

MULTIPLY will develop 10 innovative algae-based products across the food, feed, cosmetics, biomaterials, and lubricants sectors, using biomass from Arthrospira, Tetraselmis, Nannochloropsis, Chromochloris zofingiensis, and diatoms. These include natural colorants for food applications, functional protein-rich ingredients for feed and food, fatty acid esters for lubricants and cosmetics, active and multifunctional bio-based coatings for packaging, compostable bioplastics, and bio-polyesters derived from algal oils and starch. Each product will be validated by industrial partners to ensure cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and market readiness, paving the way for large-scale deployment of microalgae-based solutions in Europe.

Food colorant based on phycocyanin​

A natural blue ingredient from Arthrospira (Spirulina), formulated for better stability and application versatility in foods and supplements

Aim: Deliver phycocyanin colour formulations with enhanced stability and organoleptic performance. Leader: GRA Nutra Portugal SA (GRAN). Contributors: A4F ALGA FUEL SA (A4F), INSTITUTO DE BIOLOGIA EXPERIMENTAL E TECNOLOGICA (IBET). Description: Builds on improved extraction/purification and GRAN’s formulation expertise to deliver a natural blue that works across more matrices (pH/temperature), replacing synthetic dyes.

Biopolyesters from algal oils (for bioplastics/biomaterials)

Upcycled Spirulina co-product turned into a textured, protein-rich food ingredient

Aim: Obtain DCA (C≥9) from algae oils and synthesise bio-polyesters; prepare film-grade biomaterials. Leader: Novamont. Contributors: Asociacion de investigacion de Materiales Plasticos y Conexas (AIMP). Description: Oil pre-treatment, oxidative cleavage and fractionation to DCAs, then polyester synthesis and compounding into packaging-grade materials

Fatty acid esters (saturated fractions) for cosmetic formulations.​

Produce palm-free cosmetic esters from saturated algae oil fractions and validate their use.

Leader: Oleon NV. Contributors: A4F – Algae for Future, S.A. Description (plain language): We convert saturated fractions of algae oil into palm-free emollients for creams and lotions. These blends are made at pilot scale and tested for skin feel, spreadability and shelf-life, then compared with commonly used cosmetic esters.

Active packaging for cosmetics (algae-derived starch, silica and antioxidants)

Water-based paper coatings blend algae starch with algae oils to boost grease and water resistance, targeting high repulpability.

Leader: AIMPLAS. Contributors: SAF - Swedish Algae Factory), A4F – Algae for Future, S.A. Description: Loading of algae antioxidants onto algae-derived silica and incorporation into packaging; release behaviour and efficacy assessed on prototype jars.

Food-grade ingredient from the co-product of phycocyanin extraction​

Upcycled Spirulina co-product turned into a textured, protein-rich food ingredient.

Leader: EDONIA (EDN). Contributors: GRA Nutra Portugal SA (GRAN), A4F ALGA FUEL SA (A4F). Description: Co-developed formulations and sensory/market tests deliver a prototype food ingredient using the Spirulina stream from colour extraction.

Fatty acid esters (palmitoleic acid) for lubricants.​

Develop an algae-based oil ingredient for lubricants that flows well, protects parts, and lasts.

Leader: Oleon NV. Contributors: A4F – Algae for Future, S.A. Description: We convert the algae fatty acid C16:1 into an ester and compare it with standard ingredients for flow (viscosity), wear protection, and stability.

Compostable film material - algae starch + bio-polyesters

Develop and upscale algae-starch/bio-polyester blends for blown-film compostable packaging.

Leader: Novamont S.p.A. Contributors: AIMPLAS. Description: Compounding and blown-film trials to achieve mechanical strength, sealability and certified compostability, targeting thin-gauge films.

Active packaging for cosmetics using algae-derived starch, silica, and antioxidants.​

Create cosmetic packs with embedded algae actives for antioxidant/antimicrobial function.

Leader: AIMPLAS. Contributors: SAF (full legal name to confirm), A4F – Algae for Future, S.A. Description: Loading of algae antioxidants onto algae-derived silica and incorporation into packaging; release behaviour and efficacy assessed on prototype jars.

Macronutrients & supplement ingredients for salmon feed

Use residual fractions from the biorefinery as safe, functional ingredients for Atlantic salmon.

Leader: Nofima AS. Contributors: A4F – Algae for Future, S.A., (others to add if required). Description: Digestibility and health screening followed by freshwater/marine trials; targets include replacing synthetic antioxidants and incorporating algae proteins and lipids.

Fatty acid ester for personal-care applications​

Create EPA-based esters (from algae oils) for skincare and test their benefits.

Leader: Oleon NV. Contributors: A4F – Algae for Future, S.A. Description (plain language): EPA is an omega-3 from algae. We turn it into a gentle skin-care oil (an ester) so it’s more stable, feels nicer on the skin, and mixes better into creams and serums. We then check how well it holds up over time and how it performs in real cosmetic formulas.