Consumers are focusing more on their health and seeking out high-quality, sustainable omega-3 ingredients as the body of research on their benefits continues to grow.

To meet increasing demand, we’ve just completed a US$40 million upgrade to our Ålesund facility. The upgrade includes the introduction of highly sophisticated quality process technology. Branded EQP+Tech, it allows individual fatty acids to be separated from fish oil and ultra-concentrated without the use of excessive heat or harsh chemicals.

The black box-protected technology is the result of years of research and development. Using data from over a thousand test runs and analyses, our process engineers studied the performance of various fatty acids in the company’s high-tech molecular distillation equipment. By finding the optimum balance between pressure, temperature, and time, they identified the best possible way to separate each fatty acid from fish oil while retaining its natural quality.

Based on the research, we fine-tuned its re-esterification process and invested in new customised equipment. It includes highly sophisticated digital technology, with sensors monitoring thousands of data-points and making constant adjustments, allowing in-depth tracking of the re-esterification process and ensuring consistent high quality.

EQP+Tech will help us continue to guarantee a minimum 90% triglyceride content across our range of EPA and DHA ingredients, as well as developing new highly concentrated Omega-3 products for a range of health needs. The speed and gentleness of the process means there are particular application opportunities in delivery systems where sensory properties are important.

The upgrade concludes a major phase of Pelagia’s investment in the Epax facility, with further improvements and investments already in progress.

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