Published on 20 September 2024
The Insider’s Perspective shines a spotlight on the innovative and cutting-edge partners shaping the future of the algae sector. This tenth edition highlights the inspiring work of PureRaw, a trailblazer in sustainable nutrition through algae-based products. Keep reading to discover how this pioneering company is advancing algae as a valuable resource for health and the environment.
PureRaw: Pioneering sustainable algae-based nutrition
Since its founding in 2010 by Kirstin Knufmann, PureRaw has been at the forefront of sustainable nutrition, transforming the potential of algae into innovative, health-enriching products. Based in Germany, the company focuses on harnessing the immense potential of algae as a sustainable and nutrient-rich food source, offering a wide range of products made from both microalgae (Chlorella and Spirulina) and macroalgae (Wakame, Ulva, Dulse, Kombu, and Nori) that enrich everyday life while offering health benefits. These algae are rich in essential nutrients and offer various culinary applications.
With communication and knowledge transfer about the benefits of algae at the core of the company's strategy to promote broad acceptance and integration of this valuable resource into daily nutrition, PureRaw’s product line includes various extracts and dietary supplements developed from these algae, including Omega-3 algae oil, astaxanthin, vitamin B12, and spermidine, which specifically aim at health benefits. One of the company’s notable innovations is the fermented Chlorella, marketed under the brand name BOBEI, a sustainable alternative to butter and eggs in baked goods. This exemplifies how algae products can enhance both nutrition and culinary experiences.
The efforts of PureRaw to make algae products everyday-friendly are reflected in the broad product range. In addition to the classic algae and dietary supplements, the company offers innovative food products such as algae-based snacks and ingredients that are both nutritious and sustainable. These products meet the growing demand for healthy and sustainable alternatives while contributing to resource efficiency.
Building Expertise: Algae Sommelier Training
Beyond products, PureRaw focuses on education and information, offering the world's first algae sommelier training with IHK certification to disseminate knowledge about algae and their applications. This training helps increase awareness and acceptance of algae in nutrition and educates professionals in the field of algae science. Founder Kirstin Knufmann also leads workshops, lectures, and courses on integrating algae into daily cooking. Her passion extends to philanthropy, as she supports a children's aid project in Colombia successfully using Spirulina to fight malnutrition.
AlgaeFood Forum: Shaping Future Nutrition
PureRaw also spearheaded the Innovation Forum AlgaeFood in 2018, with the support of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The forum addresses the potentials and limits of algae as food and promotes the exchange of ideas, research results, and best practices to advance the use of algae in nutrition. Additionally, PureRaw participates in the Algae4Food initiative, which focuses on raising public awareness of algae as a valuable and sustainable food. This initiative works to overcome regulatory barriers and create a better understanding of algae as food. By exchanging know-how and adapting regulations, the acceptance of algae among the population gets strengthened and the conditions for advancing their mainstream adoption in nutrition improved.
Expanding Algae’s Reach: From Food to Textiles
Additionally, PureRaw’s influence goes beyond nutrition. A significant project involving PureRaw is the AlgaTex project, which explores the use of algae in textile production. This research and development project aims to bring innovative, eco-friendly solutions to the textile industry, further demonstrating algae’s versatility and potential.
Algae’s Role in Environmental Protection
Algae are not only beneficial for human health but also for the environment. PureRaw actively promotes algae’s environmental benefits through its products and initiatives aimed at spreading algae cultivation and usage and maximizing their positive impact on the environment.
Besides her entrepreneurial activities, founder Kirstin Knufmann is an author as well. She has written several books on algae and was awarded the Gastronomic Academy of Germany (GAD) prize for her book “Algae - The Healthy Vegetable from the Sea.” Her books, including "Healthy with Algae" and the co-authored book with Jörg Ullmann, provide comprehensive insights and practical tips for integrating algae into daily diets, inspiring both professionals and interested consumers alike while helping raise awareness and understanding of the benefits of algae.
The numerous awards that PureRaw and Kirstin Knufmann have received for their commitment and products are a testament to the work and influence of the company in the algae sector. The innovative approach, social commitment, and continuous product development make PureRaw a pioneer and key player in the industry.
EU4Algae: A Catalyst for Industry Growth and Innovation
PureRaw’s involvement in the EU4Algae initiative is another step forward in promoting the algae industry across Europe. EU4Algae supports the sector through awareness-building, innovation promotion, and political advocacy. It helps spread knowledge about the benefits of algae and fosters collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
However, there are still challenges to overcome for the algae sector to fully realize its potential. These include increased investments in research to discover new algae species, obtain approvals, optimize cultivation methods, and develop innovative products. Building the necessary infrastructure for large-scale algae cultivation and processing is also essential to meet the growing demand. Furthermore, clear and supportive regulatory frameworks must be established to foster innovation while ensuring the safety and quality of algae products.
With the support of initiatives like EU4Algae, PureRaw can help shape the future of the algae industry and unlock the full potential of this remarkable resource. Their long-standing experience, innovative approach, and commitment to health and sustainability make the company a key player in the advancement and promotion of algae as a valuable and sustainable source.
A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future
The journey towards a more sustainable, algae-powered future requires collaboration between companies, researchers, policymakers, and the public. PureRaw’s innovative approach and commitment to promoting algae’s potential are paving the way for this transformation. With algae playing a vital role in both human health and environmental protection, PureRaw is a driving force in ensuring that algae continue to be a cornerstone of sustainable living.
Stay updated on PureRaw’s latest news by visiting their official website and following them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Have you heard about the EU4Algae Interactive Platform?
Designed to promote algae product awareness and increase consumer knowledge, the EU4Algae Interactive Platform offers a range of activities. Take the EU4Algae Quiz to test your algae knowledge, participate in our Survey to share your algae-eating habits (the first 200 respondents get a free eBook!) and play the interactive Game to discover which type of algae you are.