Every year, 16 million metric tons of wild fish are caught for the manufacture of fish meal and fish oil, which are then used as components in aquaculture feed. However, a joint venture between Evonik and DSM has commissioned a new production plant in the US to produce omega-3 fatty acids for sustainable salmon farming to significantly reduce the amount of fish meal used in fish feed.
According to an Evonik press release, through the fermentative manufacture of natural marine algae, the new plant produces a special algal oil that contains the key omega-3 fatty acids needed for healthy salmon farming.
The two parent companies of the 50:50 joint venture named Veramaris, have invested a combined total of 200 million US dollars for the construction of the plant in Blair, Nebraska. According to the press release, the initial algal oil produced at the plant can supply approximately 15 percent of the annual demand the global salmon-farming industry has for the two omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. The process developed by Evonik and DSM enables the manufacture of EPA and DHA for salmon feed for the first time without using any fish oil from wild-caught fish.
“In Veramaris, we have combined the competencies of two strong partners to make an innovative contribution to the healthy nutrition of the world’s growing population, without putting any further burden on our oceans,” said Christian Kullmann, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik in the company release. Feike Sijbesma, CEO/Chairman DSM Managing Board commented in the press release: “I am pleased that together with Evonik we have reached a key milestone in turning the tide: through Veramaris, we are able to reduce the aquaculture industry’s reliance on the world’s finite fish oil resources for these vital omega-3 fatty acids. This fits perfectly with our purpose-led performance driven strategy, focused on addressing the world’s biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental and societal value for all our stakeholders.”
The production of the Veramaris algal oil is based on the natural algae strain Schizochytrium, which DSM brings to the partnership with Evonik. The joint development of the strain right up to commercial production, and the joint development of the process formed the basis for the new production plant, according to the press release. Evonik constructed the plant on site in Blair next to its existing facility, where it has been running a fermentation process to produce Biolys® (source of L-lysine) for many years now. The production complex may benefit from synergies in infrastructure, technology, and personnel.
The Veramaris algal oil not only contributes to sustainable aquaculture, the press release states, but also supports healthy human nutrition. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential fatty acids, contributing to brain, heart, and eye health, which humans can only obtain via their food.
