Veracetics opens new headquarters in Murcia, a province where it leads a sustainable, inclusive and transversal project of Innovation in Bioeconomy for the reactivation of the rural environment through the cultivation of microalgae in the Mar Menor.

Veracetics , a leading company in Spain and Europe in obtaining plant extracts from Aloe vera, has just opened a new headquarters in the Murcian municipality of Torre Pacheco, located in the Campo de Cartagena plain, near the Mar Menor.  Veracetics , together with other companies in the area (Pedro Escudero Alcaraz, Biosur Insectarios, Dimasal 2014, Ibermed Engineering, Asproagro, Ecologists in Action of the Region of Murcia), is leading an  Innovation project in Bioeconomy  for sustainable rural development in this province based on in the cultivation of microalgae. The bioeconomy is a key element in the  European Strategy 2020 for smart and green growth; and, on the other hand, microalgae, in recent years, have acquired a relevant role as a source of food and biomass production.

The project, co-financed by the EAFRD, is part of the Rural Development Program 2014-2020 of the Region of Murcia aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector and its transformation industry, sustainable agriculture, as well as economic activities in rural areas.

The main objective of this Innovation Project, led by  Veracetics , is to develop and implement a suitable technology for the mass production of microalgae biomass of commercial interest from existing agricultural technology. To achieve this objective, several pilot plants will be created (some saltwater, and others freshwater) in which biomass from native species will be produced through in situ and laboratory tests. Those species adapted to the local environment that allow greater efficiency at lower cost will be selected.

After an exhaustive evaluation,  Veracetics has selected the Region of Murcia to carry out its pilot plant for the large-scale cultivation of microalgae. The Region of Murcia has developed a highly technical agriculture, this fact together with excellent climatic conditions for this type of organic farming (mild temperatures, optimal annual irradiation), as well as the availability of natural resources and the presence in the area of ​​species of suitable microalgae for experimental development have been fundamental when choosing the site.

Isabel Martínez Martínez, manager of  Veracetics,  informs us that  “this innovation project will contribute to the regeneration of the Mar Menor”.  It is a sustainable project that pivots, interacts and feeds back around three key axes: science, technology and innovation. We are aware, says Isabel Martínez, “ of the new way of producing and consuming. We have opted for innovation in bioeconomy in this integrative and transversal project, based on the cultivation of algae, which implies, in addition to the business opportunity strategy, a social need when it comes to responding to environmental, social and economic”.  Hence, in the words of the  Veracetics board, “It is necessary to create new production models that generate intelligent development as well as long-term sustainable global growth, developing and positioning in the market a wide range of efficient products, with high added value, from raw materials of origin renewable”.