Trash into Treasure: Sargassum Biorefineries Turn Caribbean Eco-Disaster into Cosmetic Innovations
Did those smelly, disgusting brown algae ruin your last Caribbean vacation? Perhaps they can perform miraculous feats in skincare, hair care, and cosmetic products.
According to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), since 2011, up to three times the normal amount of Sargassum has been washing ashore in the Caribbean region, severely damaging fisheries livelihoods and threatening tourism development. This highly destructive and fast-growing seaweed has now invaded 43 countries, with thick seaweed mats washed ashore, causing billions of dollars in damages to infrastructure, fisheries, coral reefs, wildlife, and tourism.
However, scientists are planing to extract valuable components from Sargassum. Recently, Finland established its first marine biorefinery to extract high-value materials from Sargassum. Among these is Alginate.
Alginate is a versatile polysaccharide. At present, there are shampoos and soaps with it as a thickener and foam stabilizer on the market, where its thickening effect is considered excellent. Additionally, it can also moisturize and tighten the skin and hair, and is used in face cream, gel and facial mask as well.
Fucoidan is another polysaccharide found in Sargassum and is an active ingredient in various facial and body care products. For example, several lip masks and eye masks from Lily incorporate this ingredient. It is highly regarded for its moisture-locking efficacy, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to stimulate the natural production of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid in the skin.
"Other extracts can also be used in various consumer products to replace fossil-based chemicals," said the head of the newly built refinery, "committed to turning an environmental disaster into a solution for the chemical industry." The refinery is planned to be officially operational in 2028.
"We have already planned to establish more biorefineries in the Caribbean region, close to the Sargassum bloom source areas," said Mari Granström, Chief Engineer and Chemist at the refinery. She realized the damage Sargassum causes to marine ecosystem while scuba diving. "By focusing on seaweed, we are transforming global environmental issues into regenerative resources for industry and communities."
Currently, the number of invasive brown algae species globally is surging, requiring urgent local solutions at a commercial scale. The decision to select Sargassum as the primary raw material for innovative biorefinery processes stems from the environmental challenges posed by Sargassum blooms and the vast potential this seaweed holds for producing various bio-based products.
Mari Granström stated that the new biorefinery will address two issues. Firstly, it will transform invasive algae into a profitable resource. Secondly, it will provide bio-based alternatives to fossil-based chemicals currently used in plastic products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and soaps.
"Our fossil fuel-based world has broken down," she said. "To achieve large-scale transformation, we need to rethink the value chains of the products we use every day."
