Seaweed extract producer wins organic innovation award

Marinova Scientific Affairs Director, Dr Corinna Dwan, with the Australian Organic Innovator Award. Photo: Supplied.

Tasmanian company Marinova has claimed the Australian organic industry's highest innovation accolade for its fucoidan extract, produced from brown seaweeds.

The organic industry's peak body, Australian Organic Limited (AOL), hosts the awards, which are now in their eighth year. The awards have become a coveted prize and valued recognition of the powerful growth in the organic sector.

This year’s awards featured two new categories, Brand of the Year and the Innovation Award, in recognition of the trailblazing efforts of Australian producers introducing organic products.

Marinova is the global leader in the research, development and manufacture of high-purity fucoidan extracts and now exports its products to more than 35 countries worldwide.

Fucoidans are bioactive compounds found naturally in brown seaweeds. High-purity fucoidans are highly prized for their range of beneficial health properties, particularly in the areas of immune support, gut and digestive health, and healthy ageing.

Marinova’s CEO and managing director, Paul Garrott, says ongoing scientific research continues to reveal the extraordinary health benefits that fucoidans have to offer in promoting and maintaining human health.

“Our unique Maritech® extraction process utilises advanced filtration technologies to separate and purify fucoidan without the use of harsh solvents and other chemicals typically used by other manufacturers," Mr Garrott says.

"As a result of Marinova’s significant and ongoing investment in R&D, our Australian-made extracts stand alone as the world’s only high-purity, certified organic fucoidan with global regulatory acceptance.”

Marinova produces its organic fucoidan extract from brown seaweeds including wakame, Undaria pinnatifida. Photo: Marinova

Marinova hand-harvests wild seaweed, a rapidly renewable marine resource, from the cleanest of ocean waters in order to maintain the integrity of its fucoidan. All harvesting takes place on an environmentally sustainable basis.

Mr Garrott highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to the organic industry and environmental sustainability.

“Marinova has succeeded in diverting all of its seaweed residues away from landfill, and into new value-added products for the horticultural sector. Initiatives such as these have us on the cusp of being a genuine zero-waste, carbon-neutral manufacturer.”

View the full list of the Australian Organic LImited award winners here.