Algae Scope Joins the HORIZON MARMADE Project to Advance Marine Biomass Valorisation in Europe

The global population is projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, driving a significant increase in demand for food and feed. By harnessing natural resources more efficiently and sustainably, this growing pressure can be mitigated while also unlocking new opportunities to develop bioproducts that contribute to environmental health and resilience. This transition toward a bio-based and circular economy is essential to reducing our ecological footprint and building a more sustainable future.

Launched in September 2025 and running for four years, MARMADE (MARine bioMass valorizAtion for fooD and fEed ingredients) is a European research project dedicated to developing sustainable, high-value ingredients through the valorisation of marine biomass.

The project focuses on processing seaweed (green, red, and brown species) and crustacean residues (such as shrimp shells and blue crabs). Using advanced biorefinery processes, MARMADE will extract bioactive compounds to create innovative prototypes for food and feed with improved nutritional profiles. At every stage, MARMADE ensures compliance with the highest safety, sustainability, and regulatory standards, paving the way for future market uptake of these novel marine-derived ingredients.

The Marmade consortium (September 2025)

The Kick-off meeting

The kick-off meeting took place on 12 September 2025 at the University of Camerino (Italy), marking the project’s first major milestone. Algae Scope's Natasha Yamamura and Fiona McOmish joined representatives from all 11 partners and Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) Project Officer Simone Maccaferri to define initial activities and align on project objectives. This collaboration combines scientific excellence with industrial expertise, establishing a strong foundation for innovation in sustainable bio-based production.

Graziano Leoni (Rector of the University of Camerino) and Sauro Vittori (Project Coordinator)

This short video (just over one minute - Source: LinkedIn) summarises the event, with Sauro Vittori and his wonderful team from the University of Camerino hosting as Project Coordinators from the CHIP (Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project).

CHIP (Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project)

More about the project

MARMADE supports the European Union’s Green Deal objectives by promoting a greener and more sustainable future. By valorising marine resources, the project reduces dependency on petrochemical-based ingredients, strengthens the circular economy, and contributes to several EU strategic priorities: the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, by advancing innovative cascading extraction processes; the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, by ensuring safety, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability; and the Farm to Fork Strategy, by improving the nutritional quality and sustainability of food and feed.

Mapping seaweed supply across Europe

Algae Scope plays a vital role in MARMADE by focusing on mapping seaweed supply chains and regulatory frameworks across Europe. To support this work, Algae Scope has launched a new European-wide survey for seaweed suppliers.

The survey aims to identify the location of seaweed producers, the species they cultivate, annual production volumes, the types of products derived from their biomass, and the regulatory framework that exists. This data will help map Europe’s seaweed landscape, ensuring future innovations are based on accurate, up-to-date information about available resources.

Click the image to start the survey

To unlock the project's full potential, we need insights from those who know it best: the farmers, cultivators, and suppliers driving this vital industry.

By taking no longer than 5-8 minutes to complete the survey, you’ll help us better understand current practices, challenges, and opportunities in seaweed production, strengthening the seaweed sector and advancing a more sustainable bioeconomy.

The google form is ready for completion! No invitation or request is needed in order to complete it. Please be reassured that data from the form will not result in the creation of a new database; instead, it will be integrated with public and industry data to provide a more robust overview of biomass availability and seasonal variations.

“MARMADE is a highly significant step toward a more circular and sustainable blue economy. By fully utilising seaweed, we can reduce waste, create valuable products, and contribute to the EU’s sustainability goals.”

Natasha Yamamura (CEO of Algae Scope)

Project Partners

The project brings together 11 partners from 7 European countries, combining academic excellence, industrial know-how, and regulatory expertise:

• UNICAM – Università degli Studi di Camerino (Coordinator),

• BIOCHICA SRL,

• APRE – Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea,

• ena Development Consultants,

• Syddansk Universitet,

• Universidad de Granada,

• Fundación Centro Tecnológico Acuicultura de Andalucía,

• Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung EV,

• University College Cork – National University of Ireland, Cork,

• Algae Scope Ltd,

• Wunderfish GmbH.

For more information, visit www.marmade-project.eu and please stay tuned to our blogs to check in on progress.