In the Saaremaa region of Estonia, the BlueRev project is helping unlock the potential of macroalgae and other blue bioresources as drivers for circular, high-value innovation in the blue bioeconomy. Through stakeholder collaboration and research-driven methodologies, the EU-funded initiative has been laying the groundwork for blue biobased innovation while addressing environmental and regulatory challenges unique to the Baltic Sea. 

In the last three years, the Estonian hub of BlueRev has focused on co-developing new sustainable business models for the cultivation and processing of macroalgae. Furcellaria lumbricalis, a red algae has been historically used to produce furcellaran, a natural gelling agent. Today, local enterprises are  advancing its applications by transforming furcellaran into powdered form for cosmetic and biotech uses, while also exploring the potential of red seaweed as a biostimulant and the use of processing byproducts as alternatives to plastic.  

Collaboration across academia, SMEs, the public sector and civil society helped identify key obstacles to innovation. These including the environmental constraints stemming from the low salinity and the environmental condition of the Baltic Sea, lengthy permit procedures, and limited investment access. In response, BlueRev partners proposed exploration of social innovation opportunities and new models that utilise integrated approaches, such as combining macroalgae cultivation with offshore wind farms and further developing  integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems.  

The Estonia pilot also outlined specific “to-dos” for regulators, educators, industry, and consumers to help scale algae-based value chains. These include updating vocational and university based training, supporting fair resource access, simplifying regulatory procedures, and raising awareness about the ecological and cultural significance of local blue bioresources. 

These efforts are now informing a broader strategy to build circular marine economies based on blue bioresource valorization. A short video explains the rationale of this initiative and captures Estonia´s best practice identified
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LB_56aWaAQ  

All the knowledge generated in BlueRev including business models, governance recommendations, social innovation cases, and communication guidelines, are publicly available and free to access, and can be accessed on the project’s website in the page https://www.bluerevproject.eu/results/. Moreover, the project’s online Support Tool https://support-tool.bluerevproject.eu/ offers webinars, training content, and self-paced courses for stakeholders interested in replicating these approaches in their own regions. 

The BlueRev consortium invites other coastal regions and industry players to build on these insights and collaborate in making Europe’s blue bioeconomy more circular, inclusive, and resilient. 

About BlueRev 

BlueRev is a Horizon Europe funded project aiming to revitalise local communities through innovative bio-based business models and social innovation in the blue economy. By working with pilot regions in Denmark & Greenland, Italy, and Estonia, the project promotes sustainable use of aquatic biomass, supports circular value chains, and fosters collaboration across sectors. 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101060537. The content of this press release reflects only the authors’ views. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. 

Media Contact:
BlueRev Communications Team
📧 info@bluerevproject.eu
🔗 www.bluerevproject.eu
🔗 LinkedIn