Sustainable and Cost-Effective Management of Residual Aquatic Seaweed Biomass. Business Opportunity for Seaweeds Biorifineries

The global seaweed market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years due to the increasing demand for seaweed-based products in various industries. It is influenced by several factors, including increasing consumer awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of seaweeds, growing demand for natural and sustainable products, and advancements in seaweed cultivation techniques. Due to their large biomass yields and fast growth rate, seaweeds have gained much attention as promising biopower and biomaterial feedstocks nowadays. Managing residual aquatic seaweed biomass in a sustainable and cost-effective manner requires a comprehensive approach that considers both environmental considerations and economic feasibility. In comparison to terrestrial crops previously considered as favorable feedstocks, macroalgae offer certain advantages in the biorefinery because the latter facilitates the extraction of different constituents ensuring full utilization of the biomass and generating fewer residues through a succession of steps. Thus, an interest in macroalgae biorefinery is increasing since it would solve both environmental and economic drawbacks of terrestrial biomass biorefinery. However, seaweed biorefinery concept is more recent and less mature than from terrestrial biomass. It means that the technologies applied for one could not be efficient for seaweeds and new developments need to be explored for the full utilization of macroalgae. Several strategies are presented in this chapter, and based on can be achieved a balance between sustainable management of residual seaweed biomass and cost-effective utilization, ensuring the long-term viability of seaweed as a valuable resource. However, with ongoing research and advancements in technology, seaweed biorefineries have a promising future in contributing to sustainable industries and addressing environmental and societal challenges. The concept of seaweeds biorefinery aligns with the principles of the biobased economy, which seeks to replace fossil-based products with sustainable alternatives. It promotes resource efficiency, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to the development of a more sustainable and circular economy.