The ‘Ocean Leaves’ project harnesses the natural benefits of algae to produce a range of products for domestic gardening and agricultural. Their products act as “bio-stimulants” that can help to regulate and enhance the physiological processes of plants, thereby increasing plant health and growth, while also improving soil conditions. They use two local varieties of algae in their fertilisers: Fucus vesiculosis (bladderwrack) and Ascophyllum nodosum (knotted wrack).
The Southeast LAG grant allowed the company to buy a much-needed specific piece of equipment to improve its production capacity and enable the scaling up of the business in tandem with rising growth in sales. Prior to the project, this part of the production process was done by hand. The new machinery facilitated a move to semi-automation, thereby also improving the working conditions of those doing the processing.
- Project locations
- Ireland
- Overall budget
- €9 262
- EU contribution
- €2 31625% of the overall budget
- Project website
- Ocean Leaves
Results
Increased efficiency and consistency in production, allowing more free time to work on developing new products and distribution channels.
Technological developments allowing for increased scale of production, improved innovation, and new product development, as well as improved reach and ability to service growing markets for algae-based fertilisers.
Improved working conditions at Ocean Leaves, since equipment purchased through EMFF funding has significantly reduced the physical labour required during processing.
Contact
Mary Meyler
- Organisation
- K & M Aquatic Plant Enterprises Limited
- info
oceanleaves [dot] ie - Phone number
- +355 (0) 53 9175995
- Organisation
- South East FLAG
- brenda [dot] oriordanbim [dot] ie