Corbion: Carbon Footprint of its Algal Omega-3 Reduced by Up to 23%
Corbion has published an updated environmental assessment of its algal-derived DHA omega-3 portfolio, highlighting measurable improvements in climate impact and water consumption compared to its previous 2021 assessment. This update comes at a time when customers are demanding more transparency about the sustainability of their omega-3 supplies.
Measured Reductions in Climate Impact and Water Consumption
Corbion's updated life cycle assessment (LCA) shows a reduction of 18 to 23% in climate impact and a 44 to 54% decrease in water consumption per kilogram of DHA omega-3 compared to the 2021 assessment. The study also indicates reductions in land use impact and particulate matter. These improvements stem from the optimization of algae strains and manufacturing processes, resulting in higher DHA content and more efficient production. Active engagement with suppliers and responsible sourcing programs have also contributed to these results. The LCA reveals that Corbion's algal solution has a climate impact approximately 40 to 50% lower per kilogram of DHA omega-3 compared to the average data on fish oil included in the study, although the environmental footprint of fish oil varies depending on the species, fishing region, and processing method.
Robust Methodology and Continuous Improvement of the Production System
The assessment was conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 and ISO 14067 standards, with third-party validation. It incorporates updated operational data from Corbion's commercial-scale algal omega-3 production facility in Orindiúva, Brazil, as well as revised supplier data and updated characterization methods. Corbion's algal DHA omega-3 production relies on large-scale fermentation using responsibly sourced sugar raw material. The production system is integrated into a co-located sugar mill operating on renewable energy generated from sugarcane waste. Corbion notes that, as a controlled and large-scale production system, the technology offers further environmental improvement prospects through continuous innovation in fermentation processes, downstream processing, and engagement with key stakeholders.
Algal Portfolio Aimed at Diversifying Omega-3 Sources
Corbion's algal DHA omega-3 portfolio covers applications in aquaculture feed, animal feed (pets and livestock), and human nutrition. The AlgaPrime DHA and Algavia products are designed to help customers diversify their omega-3 sourcing strategies while advancing their sustainability and supply chain resilience goals. Diana Visser, Sustainability Director at Corbion, notes that 'sustainability reporting expectations and Scope 3 requirements continue to evolve in the markets of aquaculture, pet food, and human nutrition, and customers increasingly need robust, science-based data from their suppliers.' Tim Rutten, Head of Ingredients for Nutrition and Pharmacy at Corbion, emphasizes that 'our customers are looking for omega-3 solutions that support both performance and long-term supply resilience, and our algal DHA omega-3 portfolio helps customers diversify their sources while progressing in their sustainability ambitions with commercially proven solutions.'
