Funding will be used to conduct a feasibility study that will lay the groundwork for constructing a new seaweed cultivation and processing facility. The feasibility work will include commissioning architecture plans, service drawings, and submitting planning applications.
The resulting seaweed facility will comprise a seaweed hatchery, including a novel native seaweed growing unit as well as a food-safe standard seaweed processing plant which will wash, dry, refrigerate, store and pack high value, high demand native seaweeds.
This is an ideal example of Good Growth, as funding will support an innovative enterprise driving clean and green growth in Cornwall. The facility itself will also be built with sustainability in mind, constructed with solar panels and battery storage to supply clean energy for the operations and sustainable building materials will be used where possible.
Seaweed is one of the most sustainable crops on earth, requiring minimal input. Specifically, offshore seaweed cultivation does not compete with arable land and does not use fresh water, pesticides or fertiliser. Seaweed is a highly nutritious food with high levels of vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein. Through ongoing collaboration with York and Cranfield Universities and the Cornish clothing company Finisterre, the Cornish Seaweed Company are working to develop the world’s first seaweed textile, with the potential to replace nylon and cotton.
Tim van Berkel, Managing Director and Co-Founder of The Cornish Seaweed Company: “The project will help facilitate a step change in seaweed production in Cornwall. The county is well-placed to capitalise on seaweed production, but as an emerging industry without comparison, increasing scale and productivity, and accessing downstream processing facilities remain challenging.”
Visit The Cornish Seaweed Company website for more information.