The algae potential: industrial and market challenges

The algae sector is emerging as a key pillar of the sustainable bioeconomy, combining high efficiency, low environmental impact, and wide application potential. It offers solutions across industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and bioremediation. Algae enable the production of functional ingredients and high-value biobased materials while optimizing resource use. Despite recent growth, the sector still faces major challenges that limit scalability and competitiveness. Key barriers include high production costs, lack of process standardization, regulatory complexity, and limited access to finance. At the same time, market demand is increasing, driven by interest in sustainable products and alternative proteins. The roundtable will bring together experts and stakeholders to address these issues. It aims to identify practical strategies to overcome existing barriers. Special focus will be placed on future prospects and policy support for a resilient algae value chain.

Session Chairs

Antonio Marzocchella, AISAM & Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Antonio Idà, AISAM & Algaria srl

Program

Introduction by the Chair

Unlocking the potential of microalgae in food and feed applications
Marianna Faraldi, Tecnoalimenti S.C.p.A  

Irene Nuin, European Food Safety Authority

Representative of FAO

Carlos Unamunzaga, EABA (European Algae Biomass Association)

The biomass report - European and global macroalge production and supply
Maria Teresa Borzacchiello, Policy Officer, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre

Biotechnology applied to microalgae: an innovative approach to producing value-added cosmetic ingredients
Simone Stasi, Active Cells Biotechnology

Sustainable multi-strain, multi-method, multi-product microalgae biorefinery integrating industrial side streams for bio-based products development: the CBE JU MULTIPLY, MULTI-STR3AM and BIG-ALGAE projects
Elisabete Da Costa, Bluebio Alliance

AlgaUlisse oltre il concetto: la realtà produttiva e le sue sfide
Antonio Morritti, AlgaUlisse (I.T.A.C.A)

Biofertilizers and Biostimulants 
Niccolò Bassi, Biosintex

Discussion and closure by the Chairs