New algae extraction facility to provide sustainable alternatives for cosmetics

US-based algae technology company Heliae has launched a new commercial demonstration facility to feature the scalability and economics of the proprietary algae technology platform.

The new 20 acres facility’s platform will help the firm enable the production of algae, considered to be a key resource for use as a sustainable alternative in industries such as cosmetics, functional foods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals among others.

Heliae CEO and President Dan Simon said that over the last two years, the firm had made significant strides in research and development to create a comprehensive algae technology solution.

"Today, we ‘walk the talk’ as we roll-out and prove the technology that will allow our partners to grow, harvest, and extract algae on a commercial scale," added Simon.

Marine extracts are said to be becoming important among cosmetic manufacturers, thereby driving demand for sustainable alternatives, leading to the resourcing of raw materials, reported cosmeticsdesign.com.

According to the company, the new platform could be potentially helpful in the development of cosmeceuticals, as the naturally-derived ingredients such as camphor, allantoin and algae extract are difficult to source owing to the limited supply.

Helaie said the new site will be constructed in phases in over next 18 months, and also plans to build several additional facilities across the world.