KETURA, Israel—Algatechnologies, a producer of natural astaxanthin is expanding the production capacity of its AstaPure™ brand.
"This expansion is a result of the growing global demand for AstaPure line of products, and of the several long-term agreements we secured with companies in the dietary supplement and nutrition industries," said Efrat Kat, director of marketing and sales at Algatechnologies. "Our competitive edge lies in our exclusive proprietary and patented cultivation process."
The expansion of the production will take place in two stages. In the first phase, estimated to be completed by the end of 2011, the company will increase its production capacity by 30 percent. The second stage, estimated to be completed in 12 months, will further increase the capacity by an additional 50 percent.
“This expansion will help us increase our use of solar energy and water reclamation, which will enable us to offer a more natural and environmentally friendly product," said Hagay Tzur, CEO of Algatechnologies.
Together with the production expansion, the company will widen its capabilities in the development of new microalgae cultivation technologies. It is establishing a new pilot plant and beta site to enable the testing and implementation of state-of-the-art and innovative technologies for the efficient production of a variety of active ingredients, all sourced from microalgae.
"Microalgae contain many nutrients found in animal products or in low concentrations in plant foods. It is possible to grow microalgae much more efficiently without the need to compete for diminishing fertile soil. For these reasons we see a growing demand for the development of advanced microalgae technologies," added Tzur.
Algatechnologies plans to invest in educating its customers about the health benefits of the AstaPure products, as well as conducting clinical studies to explore its unique benefits on a wide range of different health disorders.
Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment and the most important natural carotenoid found in the marine world. Astaxanthin is an extremely potent antioxidant and is recognized to be as many as 500 times more effective than vitamin E, and more powerful than beta carotene. Astaxanthin was found to be beneficial in several areas, including skin health.