MULTIPLY replaces ingredients from fossil and food sources with bio-based alternatives, lowering the environmental footprint of everyday products. In parallel, it promotes microalgae cultivation across Europe in a way that is both sustainable and economically viable.

The consortium is working with five species of microalgae:

diatoms;
Arthrospira (Spirulina);
Tetraselmis;
Nannochloropsis;
Chromochloris zofingiensis

to develop ten high-value-added products. These applications are aimed at sectors as diverse as food (natural colourings and protein-rich ingredients), animal feed (salmon feed components enriched with microalgae compounds), cosmetics (oils and esters for personal care), lubricants (bio-based esters for high-performance applications) and biomaterials and packaging (compostable films, paper coatings and packaging solutions based on algae oils and starch).

Materials from compounds and polymers extracted from microalgae

From microalgae to industry — **MULTIPLY replaces ingredients from fossil and food sources with bio-based alternatives. (photo: AIMPLAS)**

AIMPLAS is developing sustainable solutions and materials from compounds and polymers extracted from microalgae for different packaging applications. Activities include the formulation of recyclable barrier coatings for paper substrates, with water and grease resistance, as an alternative to conventional paper/PE multilayer structures. AIMPLAS is also participating in the development of an active cosmetic packaging that integrates materials derived from microalgae, including functional compounds, encapsulation matrices and structural materials, to improve product stability and reduce the need for preservatives in cosmetic formulations.

“The idea that microalgae will drive a circular future sums up our approach,” said Marta Paiva, project coordinator at A4F, during the latest project review meeting in Berlin. “We focus on specific products and sectors where algae can replace conventional ingredients, backed by data on their performance, sustainability and scalability.“

In the coming months, the project will launch pilot activities for nutrient recovery and test a new monitoring tool. It will also deliver the first algae extracts and oils for product development, key steps in bringing these solutions to market. At the same time, the consortium will advance sustainability and market acceptance studies, laying the groundwork for a future generation of algae-based products in Europe.