Evonik and DSM are partnering on fermentative production of omega-3 fatty acids from natural microalgae. The process produces an algal oil containing EPA and DHA in a concentration of about 50 percent. The liquid product form is perfectly suited to the production processes of feed manufacturers, who in the future can spray the algal oil onto the feed pellets at the end of the process, as previously with fish oil. In addition, the high concentration gives them adequate flexibility in feed formulation and in the individual composition of feed formulations.

The starting point of this process is a strain of algae of species Schizochytrium sp., which simultaneously offers two advantages. It produces EPA and DHA in markedly high concentrations and obtains its energy from dextrose.

Evonik and DSM started the joint development of the fermentation process and strain optimization in mid-2015. The pilot-scale production is now taking place at a plant at DSM’s existing Kingstree site in the U.S. state of South Carolina, and the development is now ready for the next stage: commercial-scale production. The process, which is currently being further developed, is protected by 40 patent families in many countries of the world.

DSM and Evonik have now moved on to the next stage: the companies will together build a commercial-scale production facility at an existing site of Evonik; it is expected to come on stream in 2019. The planned initial annual production volume will meet about 15 percent of the current demand of the salmon aquaculture industry for EPA and DHA. Production management and marketing will be carried out by the newly established joint venture Veramaris.

Read the full article in Evonik\'s Elements magazine