Nordkelp receives funding for collaboration with LBHÍ and HA

Nordkelp, the Agricultural University of Iceland (LBHÍ) and Akureyri Univeristy (HA) start a collaboration aimed at full valorization of Laminaria hyperborea waste products

Recently Nordkelp, LBHÍ and HA have received funding from Rannís to launch a project aimed at the full valorisation of Laminaria hyperborea holdfasts in agricultural uses. The project with explore the viability of using pyrolysis to turn holdfasts into biochar that can be used in greenhouses as well as larger scale agriculture. Biochar is widely recognised as an organic soil amendment which can enhance fertility through stabilisation of pH and aiding in the retention of nutrients. 

The grants will be used to fund summer students at LBHÍ which will be tasked with the project of optimising pyrolysis, analysing the biochar produced and finally holdfast biochar will be tested in a small scale greenhouse experiment to evaluate efficacy.

Nordkelp is very excited for this collaboration and this project is one piece in the larger sustainability picture we aim to achieve through the full valorisation of all parts of the harvested kelp. Additionally Nordkelp looks forward to future collaborations with the universities of Iceland to enhance the knowledge and future uses of our products.