The formation of the marine agricultural industry is gaining momentum ever more intensely across different latitudes, climate zones, and diverse market segments. The seaweed-based ingredients market is on a path to sustainable growth and is projected to reach US$6.31 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. This upward trajectory is largely driven by a growing preference for sustainable ingredient sources and increased interest in alternative proteins and omega-3 options. Furthermore, the expanding use of algae-based ingredients in the pharmaceutical sector, advancements in large-scale algae cultivation, and the increasing inclusion of these components in "clean label" products are also contributing to market growth. Looking ahead, key industry trends include the expansion of the range of functional ingredients derived from algae, rising demand for plant-based nutrients, improved utilization of algae protein and oil, continuous innovation in cultivation and extraction methods, as well as broader applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The relatively small global market for seaweed-based bioplastics is steadily moving toward commercial maturity, driven by growing demand for eco-friendly materials and strong institutional support. In 2024, its volume was valued at US104.0million, and by2034, it is projected to reach US172.7 million, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. At the same time, the bioplastics market in the Asia-Pacific region is expanding rapidly, reaching US$47.6 million with a growth of 45.80%, driven by packaging requirements.
Seaweed-based bioplastics, produced from fast-growing, low-resource algae biomass, offer biodegradable and compostable alternatives that do not compete with agricultural crops. Their suitability for packaging, films, coatings, and molded products makes them a promising replacement for traditional plastics. Scientists from BRICS countries (representing 35% of the world's GDP and 21.6% of trade turnover) are actively conducting research in the field of oceanology. Specialists from the A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas and the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RAS) studied water samples from the Azov-Black Sea basin and established that algae help restore the nitrogen-phosphorus balance of the marine environment. They formulated a rule: in the event of any disruption to the nutrient balance normal for a region, the activity of photosynthesizing organisms is always directed toward restoring this balance. This was reported by the SSC RAS.
At the international seaweed expo and summit in India, experts concluded that due to rising domestic consumption, expanding industrial applications, and a favorable policy environment, the country could become one of the leading players in the global seaweed market within two decades. This news was published by the IANS agency, a partner of TV BRICS.
Meanwhile, at the end of last year, Brazil announced that the state would join the UN global initiative for seaweed development. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture noted that their cultivation has great potential and impacts the conservation of biodiversity. This was stated on the Brazilian government's website.
Indonesia is building an international research center for tropical seaweed in the province of West Nusa Tenggara. This was announced by the Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, according to Antara News.
The complex will include research buildings, dormitories for international scientists, and a pharmacy.
"In recent months, we have focused on making Indonesia a global center for seaweed research, and we must start right now. We are creating an international-level research center with global networks," she emphasized.
Ekas Bay has been selected for construction, where local residents have long been engaged in aquaculture and commercial fishing. It is expected that the new center will increase yields and improve the quality of seaweed through the use of high-quality seedlings developed based on scientific research.
Indonesia remains the world's largest producer of tropical seaweed, accounting for approximately 75 percent of the global volume, Stella Christie specified. At the same time, the global industry for such products is currently valued at approximately US$12 billion per year. Numerous types of algae, such as microscopic ones that also inhabit the soil, perform a significant ecological function: they absorb approximately 25% of the world's carbon dioxide and provide for the production of about 20% of the planet's primary biomass. According to a 2021 UN report, seaweed aquaculture in Asia accounted for 97% of the 34.7 million tonnes produced worldwide. In addition to human consumption, seaweed is used for the production of animal feed additives and cosmetics. China produces more than 50% of the global supply, followed by Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines.
