F How has the industry received the results and product?
Kobler: We are in dialogue with various key stakeholders all
along the value chain from fish feed producers, fish farmers to retailers. Some of them are already undertaking pilot trials to test our product in practice. There is more collaboration to follow, as we are in the midst of negotiations with several key customers interested in the product. Also, since our announcement on the 8th of March and our presence at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum in Bergen, the positive response has been overwhelming. We are definitely going to hit the ground running now.
BALANCE IS EVERYTHING!
What are some of the challenges that you have overcome, both in development and production?
Nickell: There were several challenges we had to master just
like in any development process. For instance, it was very difficult to turn algal biomass into highly concentrated oil. Also, it was necessary to optimise fermentation conditions to maximise the yield of EPA and DHA and in this respect; up scaling from a research environment to a commercial scale had been a challenge. Furthermore, we have designed a very sustainable process, because biomass surplus from the oil production is a promising product for other sorts of feed, such as that used for beef cattle.
“Our new algal oil can be applied in feed production in the same way as fish oil. That means feed and pet food producers can easily introduce it in the process" Can you tell me a little bit about the future plans for the innovation?
Kobler: Currently, the establishing of the joint venture is subject
to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. We plan to build a production facility for our algal oil coming on stream in 2019. The new facility will then allow for a commercial scale. Meanwhile, customers will be able to receive sizeable quantities of the product for pilot production. These quantities are currently being produced at the DSM site in Kingstree, United States. Are there any applications for this outside of the industry, which can be applied to human health for instance?
BiolexŽ MB40 – effective MOS for: Active support and relief of the immune system High bonding power & inactivation of pathogens/toxins in the intestinal lumen Prebiotic effects on the microflora in the intestine
Nickell: Aquaculture and here especially farmed salmon, trout,
and shrimp is our most important target market. Also, pets utilise significant amounts of omega-3-fatty acids in their diet, which makes pet food another focus market for us. Moreover, we are developing applications for other aquatic and terrestrial animal species. The scope of our joint venture, however, entirely comprises animal nutrition. More information: www.evonik.com www.dsm.com
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