Current Status of the Algae Production Industry in Europe: An Emerging Sector of the Blue Bioeconomy
Europe has 447 algae and Spirulina production units across 23 countries, with macroalgae production primarily relying on wild harvesting and microalgae production concentrated in photobioreactors. The majority of algae biomass is directed towards food and food-related applications, including food supplements and nutraceuticals, while research is ongoing for uses in various other sectors, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.