Corbion, KAS partner to bring algae-based astaxanthin to human and animal nutrition markets

NETHERLANDS – Corbion, a global leader in sustainable ingredients, and US-based biotechnology firm Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS) have announced a strategic partnership to develop and commercialise natural astaxanthin from non-GMO algae fermentation, targeting both human health and animal nutrition markets.

Astaxanthin, a red-orange carotenoid pigment and powerful antioxidant, occurs naturally in microalgae, salmon, and shrimp. 

It is widely used in nutraceuticals for human health and in aquaculture feed for salmon and other fish species, where it plays a critical role in pigmentation and antioxidant protection. 

Currently, the majority of commercially available astaxanthin is either chemically synthesised for aquaculture or produced from phototrophic Haematococcus algae for human nutrition.

A natural, scalable alternative

Through their collaboration, Corbion and KAS plan to develop an esterified form of natural astaxanthin with superior stability, fat solubility, and bioavailability. 

Unlike traditional phototrophic cultivation, which relies on light, KAS’s patented dark fermentation process enables consistent, large-scale production of non-GMO Haematococcus-derived astaxanthin in controlled environments.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to sustainable, science-based solutions,” said Robert Jan de Voogd, General Manager of Algae Ingredients North America at Corbion. “KAS’ technology offers a strong foundation to deliver high-quality natural astaxanthin to customers looking for a clean-label alternative.”

Claude Kaplan, CEO of KAS, added: “We’re proud to collaborate with Corbion to scale our technology and make premium algae-derived antioxidants more accessible worldwide.”

Meeting demand in aquaculture and nutrition

The companies emphasized that their innovation is designed to serve both nutraceutical and aquaculture applications, two fast-growing sectors demanding cleaner, sustainable feed and supplement solutions. 

For aquafeed manufacturers, algae-based astaxanthin offers an alternative to synthetic pigments, aligning with consumer demand for natural ingredients. 

In human health, the compound is prized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

By pairing KAS’s advanced fermentation platform and proprietary strains with Corbion’s industrial-scale production expertise, regulatory capabilities, and market reach, the partners aim to accelerate commercialisation and deliver the product at scale. 

Development and technical transfer are already underway, with further updates expected as the project progresses.

With this move, Corbion and KAS are positioning themselves at the forefront of algae-based innovation, offering a sustainable solution that bridges the needs of both human nutrition and aquaculture feed industries.

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