Nature-positive algae-based food, agriculture, Aquaculture and textile products made in North and Baltic Sea ecosystems

The LOCALITY project will implement local, innovative, and sustainable value chains by supporting the interaction of the algae value chain actors with relevant waste stream-producing industries. Three regional ecosystems will be strategically developed in key regions, considering strong and active businesses where circularity and sustainability will be improved through the reutilization of wasted nutrients for algae cultivation. These ecosystems will be located in the Baltic and North Sea bordering countries, with multi-perspective support from other R&D and industrial partners experienced in sustainable algae production. The biomass will be processed using a biorefinery approach, and both raw and treated ingredients will be applied in the food, aquafeed, agriculture, and textile markets. An integrative methodology involving R&D partners, industry, and SMEs will work within each market sector to develop innovative and sustainable algae-based products. Consumer readiness for these products will be assessed, and significant constraints and legal barriers will be identified. These findings will be evaluated and integrated into the business model to ensure a successful market implementation and exploitation of the developed products. A dissemination and communication plan will be implemented to maximize outreach to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the designed products achieve a strong position in the European marketplace in the coming years.