ALFIFE – Sustainable Fish Feed from Algae and Industrial Residues

A new research project is developing a sustainable fish feed ingredient using microalgae grown on industrial carbon dioxide, wastewater and forest industry residues. By turning emissions and by-products into valuable resources, the initiative aims to strengthen circular bioeconomy solutions while reducing the climate impact of aquaculture.

About the project:

The ALFIFE project aims to develop a sustainable and cost-effective fish feed ingredient rich in DHA and astaxanthin, produced from microalgae cultivated using industrial CO₂, nutrient-rich wastewater, and forest industry residues such as sawdust. By integrating these side streams into algae cultivation, the project establishes a closed-loop production model that transforms industrial emissions and by-products into high-value aquaculture feed.

In the ALFIFE process, industrial CO₂ is captured and utilized as a carbon source for microalgal growth, while wastewater supplies essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Forest industry residues are valorized within the cultivation and processing chain, improving overall resource efficiency and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials. The harvested algal biomass, naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) and the high-value carotenoid astaxanthin, is then processed into a functional feed ingredient suitable for aquaculture applications.

Fish feeding trials will assess nutritional performance, growth efficiency, pigmentation effects, and technical feasibility in aquaculture systems. The project also evaluates scalability and commercial potential to support industry adoption of climate-smart feed alternatives.

Building a Circular Nordic Bioeconomy

ALFIFE contributes to sustainable Arctic food production by:

• Reducing reliance on imported marine feed ingredients
• Lowering greenhouse gas emissions through CO₂ valorization
• Enabling the development of climate-smart aquaculture systems in emerging production regions
• Strengthening regional food security

By connecting forestry, industry, and aquaculture, ALFIFE advances circular bioeconomy principles and supports the transition toward sustainable, climate-smart food systems in the Nordic region.