Abstract
Abstract Seaweeds are seen as important future feedstock for Europe, providing biomass for food, feed, and other applications. Seaweeds can contribute to a circular food system a protein transition and bio-based economy. Europe is a minor player in the world market dominated by the Asian producers and processors. According to the FAO, total production of aquatic plants (dominated by seaweed) was 30 million tonnes in 2016, with China (47.9%) and Indonesia (38, 7%) dominating production. This article discusses the challenges to seaweed production and use in Europe and formulates future directions for upscaling the European seaweed sector. From a People, Planet, Profit perspective, there is no need to focus on producing large volumes of seaweed per se. We need to focus on nature-inclusive production systems, producing the right amount of the right seaweeds, based on the carrying capacity of the European seas. The seaweed sector must avoid developing along the “old” economy’s way of cost leadership but develop along the way of the “new” circular economy. Seaweeds should not be seen as a new product “added” to the market but become an integral part of the European food system, being used for human consumption, feed and improving production processes.
Highlights
Interest in the cultivation and use of seaweeds in Europe is on the rise
A multitude of companies sell various species of seaweeds and seaweed-based products, ranging from pasta and seasoning mixes to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These developments are mirrored by an enthusiasm among policy-makers, NGOs and companies alike to expand the European seaweed sector
The pathway along which the future European seaweed sector will develop eventually determines the impact of this activity on the marine ecosystem
Summary
Seaweeds are seen as important future feedstock for Europe, providing biomass for food, feed, and other applications. Seaweeds can contribute to a circular food system a protein transition and bio-based economy. From a People, Planet, Profit perspective, there is no need to focus on producing large volumes of seaweed per se. We need to focus on nature-inclusive production systems, producing the right amount of the right seaweeds, based on the carrying capacity of the European seas. The seaweed sector must avoid developing along the “old” economy’s way of cost leadership but develop along the way of the “new” circular economy. Seaweeds should not be seen as a new product “added” to the market but become an integral part of the European food system, being used for human consumption, feed and improving production processes.
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