Veramaris ‘is mainstream now’

Algal oil producer Veramaris increased its production volume by 50% in 2023 compared to a baseline set in 2021, it said in a press release today, although it didn’t reveal what that volume was.

“2023 marks a pivotal year for Veramaris, as we not only achieved a record increase in production volumes but also solidified our market position. We are now poised to scale up sustainably, streamlining our production processes and forging new partnerships,” said Veramaris chief executive Gertjan de Koning.

The growth in output was achieved with only a 3% increase in total greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the company making progress in decarbonising its operations.

Supply gap

In an introduction to its 2023 sustainable development report, De Koning highlighted how supplies of fish oil, which are the principal source of omega-3 long chain fatty acids EPA & DHA, became even more uncertain following the effects of El Niño, leading to a 21% decrease in total cumulative output of fish oil in 2023 compared to the previous year.

“This supply gap was not entirely unforeseen. The industry has long predicted the need for a fish oil alternative that doesn’t put pressure on marine resources. And that’s where Veramaris algal oil comes in,” wrote the executive.

He added: “Many of our customers had already tested and approved our algal oil in their fish feed formulations, so the scene was set for us to ramp up our operations to meet this demand.”

Here to stay

De Koning said Veramaris algal oil “is now a mainstream ingredient used by major aquafeed producers, as well as in petfood and human supplements”.

The CEO said Veramaris is no longer “just a start-up with an idea – we’re here to stay”.

“We have a tangible, proven product that is making a difference for the aquaculture industry,” concluded De Koning.

Netherlands-headquartered Veramaris produces algal oil in fermenters in Blair, Nebraska, in the United States, and last year was able to run its facility at 100% capacity for the first time.