Founded by Dr. Mari Granström in 2019, Origin by Ocean is a Finnish biotech company dedicated to developing technologies that transform invasive algae into valuable new resources for the chemical industry.
The environmental framework
One major hurdle in the shift to bio-based chemicals is securing sufficient feedstock. With 8 billion people to feed and many industries relying on land-grown crops like corn, soy, sugarcane and palm, we’re running out of the land and resources needed to fuel this conversion to renewables.
Invasive algae offers a promising new supply chain. This abundant biomass is growing out of control in lakes, seas, and oceans, devastating marine ecosystems and coastal communities. By developing technologies to turn this algae into valuable bio-based compounds, we can create new renewable materials that help decarbonize consumer goods. This not only helps replace ingredients from fossil fuels and resource-intensive crops, but it also regenerates marine ecosystems and creates new revenue streams for coastal communities recovering from these environmental disasters.
The first commercial project targets
Origin by Ocean’s first commercial project targets the world’s biggest invasive algae crisis: Sargassum in the Caribbean. With our supply chain and processes now developed, we are raising funds to build our first commercial-scale biorefinery. This first-of-a-kind biorefinery will use Sargassum feedstock to create novel biopolymers, such as OCEANTHIX™ LV (INCI: Algin), and high-purity bioactives, like OCEANBOOST™ LF (INCI: Fucoidan).
The OCEANTHIX™ LV
OCEANTHIX™ LV is a unique functional biopolymer designed to improve the texture of skincare and cosmetic products made with natural and biodegradable materials. It has a synergistic effect with natural gums, boosting viscosity and improving their texture. It plays a key role in developing alternatives to synthetic thickeners like carbomers and acrylates, while providing elegant sensorials not usually associated with bio-based formulas. This synergistic effect also carries over into the food industry where it can be used to texturize plant-based foods. As a thickener in the printing paste it can be even be used to lower the carbon footprint of textile printing and as a key building block in compostable and biodegradable plastic-film alternatives.
The OCEANBOOST™ LF
OCEANBOOST™ LF is a novel active ingredient with tremendous potential in the skincare, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical industries. Published literature highlights fucoidan’s potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and antitumor effects. Our initial clinical test has already validated the short and long-term soothing benefits of OCEANBOOST™ LF in topical skincare. We have a range of additional tests scheduled to conclude in 2026, including studies on hydration, anti-aging, anti-senescence, and effects on the skin microbiome. For the nutraceutical sector, we will begin in-vitro screening for anti-obesity and antitumor effects in 2025, alongside all necessary toxicological testing to register OCEANBOOST™ LF as a nutritional supplement by 2027.
Where can I meet Origin by Ocean?
Origin by the Ocean will be present at Making Cosmetics 2025 (19/20 November) in the Green Dream area, the corner dedicated to sustainability
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