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PROTEUS Contributions to Key EU Policies and Initiatives in the Bioeconomy Field

In the face of growing climate change related challenges and resource scarcity, the European Union has placed the bioeconomy at the heart of its transition toward a sustainable, circular future. Central to this vision is the valorisation of marine biomass as a renewable, low-impact resource. The PROTEUS project is one of several flagship initiatives within this landscape, pioneering the development of an industrial scale biorefinery dedicated to maximising biomass utilisation of Laminaria hyperborea.

Key Initiatives

Funded under the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), PROTEUS is a part of a strategic response to multiple EU policy frameworks and initiatives, including the European Green Deal, the Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’, the EC Communication Towards a Strong and Sustainable EU Algae Sector, the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan. By demonstrating sustainable processing of marine biomass, PROTEUS not only advances scientific and industrial capabilities but also contributes directly to the EU’s goals for climate neutrality, biodiversity protection, and regional resilience.

Read below to which key initiatives PROTEUS contributes on Europe’s journey toward a thriving blue bioeconomy:

1. Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)

The CBE JU is a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), successor to BBI JU, with a €2 billion budget aiming to advance the European circular bioeconomy by funding outstanding projects. The main goals of the CBE JU are:

  • Accelerate the innovation process and development of bio-based innovative solutions
  • Accelerate market deployment of the existing mature and innovative bio-based solutions
  • Ensure a high level of environmental performance of bio-based industrial systems

PROTEUS contributes to the wider objectives of the CBE JU, accelerating the commissioning and optimisation of the flexible biorefinery and development of downstream bio-based ingredients. Successful commercial deployment of the PROTEUS concept will enable rapid deployment close to marine biomass sources and create new jobs in onshore biorefineries.

2. European Green Deal

The European Green Deal comprises a variety of measures aimed at transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. It aims to cut emissions by at least 50% by 2030, rising towards 55%, pushing forward a clean transition that protects people and planet, is economically sound and socially fair.

By improving the use of alternative biobased materials, replacing oil-based products and reducing the ecological footprint on our industrial production, PROTEUS directly contributes to these ambitious goals.

3. Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’

This Mission addresses one of the most urgent challenges: restoring the health of our oceans, seas and inland waters by 2030. It adopts a comprehensive approach, combining research and innovation, public engagement and investments to protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity, combat and eliminate pollution, and make the sustainable blue economy carbon-neutral and circular.

PROTEUS reduces ocean pollution by removing formaldehyde from the on-vessel processing of harvested algae and eliminates damage to the seabed caused by current dredging techniques, thus maintaining seabed habitats and biodiversity.

4. EC Communication Towards a Strong and Sustainable EU Algae Sector

In November 2022, the European Commission adopted the Communication Towards a strong and sustainable algae sector. This initiative highlights the importance of algae and other marine biomass as renewable resources in Europe. By replacing fossil-based products, algae can provide sustainable alternatives for food and feed, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, plant biostimulants, bio-based packaging, biofuels, cosmetics and other products.

The Communication sets out targeted actions to scale up algae cultivation and production across the EU and to develop markets for both food and non-food algae applications. It also emphasizes algae’s role as a source of alternative protein, which is essential for feeding a growing global population in a sustainable way.

PROTEUS contributes to these goals by demonstrating the commercial viability of a new harvesting vessel and onshore, flexible biorefinery concept. This approach increases biomass yield and enables the creation of ingredients for food, feed and cosmetics.

5. Updated Bioeconomy Strategy (2018) and Action Plan

The EU Bioeconomy Strategy, updated in 2018, aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. It sets five main objectives:

  • Ensure food and nutrition security
  • Manage natural resources sustainably
  • Reduce dependence on non-renewable resources
  • Limit and adapt to climate change, and
  • Strengthen European competitiveness and create jobs.

PROTEUS contributes directly to these objectives by increasing food security through scaled production of nutrition ingredients from L. hyperborea and by creating bio-based substitutes for fossil-based materials. The project also addresses sustainability by improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impacts in marine biomass harvesting. By engaging stakeholders and sharing best practices, PROTEUS supports biodiversity protection and helps build resilient regional economies.

About the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking

The project is supported by the Ciruclar Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members. The CBE JU is a €2 billion partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium, funding projects to advance circular bio-based industries in Europe.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them.

Alginor ASA

Alginor is a fully integrated B2B biomarine ingredients company developing sustainable, high-value ingredients from brown macroalgae for uses in the medical, personal care, food, feed and agricultural industries. The company is developing an integrated value chain consisting of two primary businesses, including offshore harvesting of wild-caught raw materials through its own operated vessels, and valorisation of ingredients through biorefining. Alginor’s vision is to expand the availability and use of sustainably sourced ingredients based on Laminaria hyperborea – a self-renewable resource growing in abundance in Norway and Europe – through utilisation of all components in the biomass without using any harmful chemicals.

Main role in the project

Alginor plays a key role in the PROTEUS project as the project coordinator, overseeing the flagship biorefinery development from 2024 to 2028. Alginor is responsible for key aspects, including the sustainable harvesting of Laminaria hyperborea, biorefinery process innovations, and the commercialization of kelp-based product ingredients. Their focus is on converting bio-based side streams into valuable products, with the goal of minimizing waste and enhancing resource utilization. Through their leadership in various work packages, Alginor ensures the project’s alignment with industrial, environmental, and regulatory standards.

BORREGAARD AS

Borregaard operates one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable biorefineries. By using natural, renewable raw materials, we produce advanced and environmentally friendly biochemicals that can replace oil-based products. 
Utilising the different components of wood, we produce biopolymers, speciality cellulose, biovanillin, cellulose fibrils and bioethanol for a variety of applications in sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture, construction, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, foodstuffs, batteries and biofuels. We employ 1100 man-years in plants and sales offices in 13 countries throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Strong innovation efforts is one of Borregaard’s strategic priorities. Long-standing research and development have resulted in solutions that respond to important long-term global challenges. Our sustainable products and solutions can play an important role in addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges: Population growth and climate change. 

Main role in the project

Borregaard will investigate fibrillation of cellulose derived from L.hyperborea to make microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) for use as a replacement for synthetic additives e.g., coatings, adhesives, surfactants and detergents.
Objective: To achieve a TRL of 7-8 in kelp-based ingredients into bio-based materials for industry applications.
Key performance targets include achieving an energy-efficient fibrillation process, maintaining or improving MFC quality compared to wood-based MFC, ensuring microbiological stability, increasing dry matter content, introducing unique MFC properties, and exceeding application performance achieved with wood-based MFC in selected applications.

NORSUS-Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research

NORSUS is a private not-for-profit research institute, established in 1988. We work with assessing environmental and resource efficiency and are one of Europes leading institutes in applying the life cycle approach on a wide variety of sectors.
NORSUS is leading WP 5 that will assess the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the value chains developed in the project.

INSTITUTE OF MARINE RESEARCH

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) is one of the largest marine research institutes in Europe, with about 1,050 employees. Our main activities are research, advisory work and monitoring for our Government and Parliament regarding national and international waters.
Our head office is in Bergen, Norway. We also have an office in Tromsø and research stations in Matre, Austevoll and Flødevigen. Our Research Vessel Department has ownership responsibility for the research vessels, which are our most important tools for collecting marine data, in addition to unmanned sea drones and installations. IMR also has several laboratories that analyze all types of physical and biological parameters in the samples taken by IMR’s monitoring and research programs.
Through its research and advice, IMR is contributing with eco system knowledge and advice for sustainable stock-, shellfish and kelp harvesting, and for kelp restauration, for a more sustainable aquaculture industry, and for safe, heathy and nutritious food.
We are a neutral knowledge provider, and we publish our research results in international science journals as well in report for stakeholder and the public as well as for local, national and international media.
The IMR is affiliated to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which provides around 50% of our funding. The rest of our funding comes from external research grants.

Our vision: Knowledge and advice for rich and clean oceans and coast zone.

Our ambition: We will be an international leader in marine research and advisory services.

Our values: All our work must be based on integrity, creativity, collaboration and respect.

Our social mission: Institute of Marine Research will be a leading supplier of knowledge relating to the sustainable management of the resources in our marine ecosystems and the whole food chain from the sea to the table.

ALGINOR BIOREFINERY AS (ABR), AVALDSNES (Norway)

ALGINOR BIOREFINERY AS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alginor ASA. It operates all downstream activities related to biorefining, including further development of all portfolio ingredients and the optimization of all process lines.

Main role in the project

ALGINOR Biorefinery operates the flexible biorefinery pilot plant, playing a central role in scaling up biorefinery processes and refining manufacturing methods to extract ingredients from kelp biomass.

HYPOMAR AS (Hypomar AS), HAUGESUND (Norway)

HYPOMAR AS specializes in sustainable marine harvesting and is responsible for organising and implementing harvesting and upstream operations. It has expertise in developing innovative techniques for seaweed harvesting. Hypomar AS is a 100% owned subsidiary of Alginor ASA.

Main role in the project

Hypomar’s primary role is to lead the harvesting activities within the project. They provide the essential kelp harvesting vessels and equipment, ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of biomass for the biorefinery process.

PROTEUS-Partners in Norway

ALGINOR ASA (Alginor), HAUGESUND (Norway)

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BORREGAARD AS (BORREGAARD), SARPSBORG (Norway)

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NORSUS NORSK INSTITUTT FOR BAEREKRAFTSFORSKNING AS (NORSUS), KRAKEROY (Norway)

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INSTITUTE OF MARINE RESEARCH (IMR), BERGEN (Norway)

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ALGINOR BIOREFINERY AS (ABR), AVALDSNES (Norway)

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HYPOMAR AS (Hypomar AS), HAUGESUND (Norway)

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CLIC Innovation Ltd

CLIC Innovation Ltd is a non-profit company based on public-private-partnership model.

Our mission is to build and manage open innovation collaboration between companies, academia and other relevant stakeholder qroups in bioeconomy, energy and circular economy themes. We address systemic challenges, that arise from the scarcity of natural resources and drive green system transition. Our aim is to create additional value to our partners by building, coordinating, and managing R&D&I projects to construct systemic solutions, which are beyond the resources of individual operators.

We are experts in open innovation facilitation and boosting communication, dissemination, exploitation and impact for RDI activities. We drive the transition with our open innovation ecosystems and projects with quadruple helix approach.

We contribute to developing a more favourable innovation environment in EU.

CLIC is leading the work package WP6 – Commercialisation Strategy & Exploitation. The objective is to enhance the successful market uptake and replication of the PROTEUS biorefinery concept across Europe and the commercialization of the bio-based products derived from this process. The main activities include:

  • Assessment of the techno-economic viability of the biorefinery concept and its products.
  • Implementing strategies to protect and commercially exploit the foreground knowledge generated during PROTEUS.
  • Designing an Exploitation, Business and Commercialization Plans for the seaweed biorefinery and its products.
  • Developing commercial scenarios and value chains for the technologies developed.

CLIC is also participating in the work packages WP5 and WP7.

STEINBEIS INNOVATION GGMBH

Steinbeis Europa Zentrum stands for 35 years of experience in innovation consulting and research funding in Europe and beyond. With more than 80 EU projects and around 800 partnerships in 50 countries every year, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is well networked and helps its clients to enter international markets. 

Well-connected with international partners and networks, we stand by companies, start-ups, universities, research institutions and cluster initiatives on issues of innovation management, financing, EU applications, international markets, regional and social transformation and innovation policy. 

For all target groups, we offer further training on proposal writing, project management and innovation. Together with economic development agencies, representatives of the state ministries and the EU, we conceptualise and organise large congresses and information events, including international ones, bringing together innovation actors from the entire value chain. 

With various activities from the non-profit, economic as well as European sectors, we create added value for our clients: companies and start-ups, universities and research institutions, cluster initiatives and networks, public sector actors. 

Steinbeis Europa Zentrum consists of three strong partners: Steinbeis EU FOR YOU (formerly SEZ, founded in 1990, part of Steinbeis Innovation gGmbH), Steinbeis 2i GmbH (founded in 2016) and Steinbeis IDEA Europe (the Institute of the Commissioner for Europe of the Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg, founded in 2018, part of Steinbeis Innovation gGmbH). 

Main role in the project

SIG is project partner and leader of WP7 Dissemination & Communication. SIG is responsible for developing communication and dissemination strategy of the project and implementing it in cooperation with all partners. SIG develops the corporate identity elements, including logo, key visuals, fonts, colour codes and style guide, as well as promotional materials and guidelines to achieve optimal visibility for activities aimed at increasing awareness, engagement, acceptance and fostering uptake of the project results. SIG develops and maintains the project website and manages social media assets of the project. SIG also manages the repository for scientific papers created by project’s scientific partners to facilitate knowledge transfer and sustainability at international, European and local level.  

ESSITY HYGIENE AND HEALTH AB

Essity Hygiene and Health AB is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Essity develop, produce and sell products and solutions within the Business Areas Personal Care, Consumer Tissue and Professional Hygiene.

Main role in the project

Essity´s role in the project is to evaluate the performance of newly developed super absorbing algae-based materials from Alginor

OLMIX

Olmix was created in 1995, in Bréhan, at the heart of Brittany, from the desire to provide natural alternatives to agricultural additives. From the start, Olmix Group has innovated in transforming by-products into high-value ingredients, from raw materials such as trace elements and opportunist seaweed species. It is today a global company specialized in developing, producing and distributing high-value biosourced solutions for livestock and crop farming in more than 100 countries across the world.

Main role in the project

Olmix will evaluate the regulatory compliance of the biorefinery products developed from the brown alga Laminaria hyperborea by Alginor for use in the feed sector. The compatible products will be screened on in vitro models to determine their potential applications and used as ingredients for the development of products aiming to reinforce animal health and performance. The Proteus project gives us the opportunity to evaluate a new seaweed resource complementary to our red and green seaweed actives from our biorefinery in Bréhan, France.

Vaess, Dutch food engineers

Vaess is a pioneering Dutch company in the food industry, dedicated to innovation and quality since 1946. As food engineers, we specialize in developing cutting-edge solutions across a wide range of categories, including meat, seafood, bakery products, plant-based alternatives, and pet food. Our expertise lies in creating products that not only meet the highest standards of taste and texture but also prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency.
Through close collaboration with our customers and partners, we strive to enhance product quality, optimize production processes, and minimize food waste. Our commitment to innovation drives us to continually explore new concepts and technologies, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the evolving food landscape. At Vaess, we believe in shaping the future of food, delivering solutions that are both delicious and responsible.

We are responsible for assessing the by-products generated from the sustainable cultivation and harvesting of seaweed, focusing on their suitability for food applications. This includes a thorough analysis of the functionality and organoleptic properties of these by-products. Additionally, we evaluate the route to market, potential sales channels, and regulatory applicability to ensure that the products meet all relevant requirements and standards.