“Shift Toward Algae-Based and Plant-Derived Eicosapentaenoic Acid as a Sustainable Alternative”
- A key and rapidly growing trend in the global eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) market is the increasing adoption of algae-based and plant-derived EPA sources, driven by rising environmental concerns and the need to reduce dependency on traditional fish oil
- Consumers and manufacturers are prioritizing EPA products that offer similar health benefits to marine-derived options but with lower ecological impact, avoiding overfishing and ocean biodiversity concerns
- For instance, in 2024, Corbion expanded its algae-based EPA production capacity to meet growing demand from the food, nutraceutical, and personal care industries, promoting a sustainable, vegan-friendly alternative to fish oil
- Technological advancements in microalgae cultivation, fermentation, and lipid extraction are enabling scalable, cost-efficient production of high-purity EPA, aligning with clean-label and plant-based consumer preference
- Furthermore, major brands are integrating algae-sourced EPA into functional foods, dietary supplements, and clinical nutrition, enhancing product offerings while addressing regulatory pressures related to marine sustainability
- As the global focus intensifies on reducing the environmental footprint and meeting the demand for ethical, plant-based nutrition, algae-derived EPA is expected to redefine product innovation, market differentiation, and long-term growth
