The alginate sector is anchored in brown seaweed biomass, and the scale of that biomass underscores the opportunity and the constraints of the market. According to a review, global seaweed production in 2019 reached approximately 34.5 million tons, of which brown seaweed accounted for about 47% of that volume. (Source: www.mdpi.com)
Among brown seaweeds, alginate can comprise up to 40% of the dry-matter weight in favorable species.
Historic production estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) show that alginate production itself reached approximately 22,000–25,000 tons annually in an earlier decade. (Source: www.fao.org)
These data points illustrate both the magnitude of the raw material base and the specialized scale of alginate processing. Kings Research projects that the global alginate market will reach USD 1,056.2 million by 2031, driven by increasing demand across various industries and advancements in production technologies. In 2025, the companies that will shape this market are those that not only secure feedstock access but also refine extraction methods, improve value-added formulations (for food, pharmaceutical, textile, and bio-engineering uses), and integrate sustainability into their operations.
Top 13 Key Companies Leading Innovation in the Global Alginate Market
1. Algaia SA
Algaia SA specializes in the production of high-quality alginate extracted from sustainable seaweed sources. The company provides tailored alginate solutions for the food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Its product range includes alginate-based texturizers, stabilizers, and bioactive compounds designed to enhance product functionality and performance.
In March 2023, Algaia SA was acquired by Germany’s JRS Group to address the growing global demand for seaweed-based ingredients. The acquisition includes Algaia’s R&D center in Saint-Lô and its production facility in Lannilis, enhancing JRS Group’s capabilities in sustainable solutions for food, feed, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications.
2. Marine Biopolymers Limited
Marine Biopolymers Limited (MBL) focuses on extracting and refining natural alginates from seaweed harvested along the Scottish coast. The company delivers premium alginate solutions for applications in food processing, wound care, and industrial uses. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, MBL ensures responsible seaweed harvesting and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
3. Brenntag North America, Inc.
Brenntag North America, Inc. is a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients, including alginate solutions for the alginate market. The company supplies high-quality alginates to the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries, ensuring consistency, safety, and regulatory compliance. With an extensive distribution network, Brenntag provides tailored solutions that meet the growing demand for alginate-based formulations
4. Ingredi
Ingredi specializes in natural ingredients, including alginates, for food, beverage, and cosmetic formulations. The company supplies sodium and calcium alginates for use as thickeners and stabilizers in sauces, dairy alternatives, and confectionery. Its products enhance the texture and shelf life of various consumer goods while maintaining a clean-label appeal.
5. KIMICA
KIMICA is one of the leading players in the alginate market, renowned for producing high-purity alginate solutions tailored to the food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors. Its alginates serve as essential ingredients in specialty foods, dental impressions, and tissue engineering applications. The company prioritizes advanced extraction technologies to maintain superior product consistency and quality.
6. Ceamsa
Ceamsa is a leading provider of hydrocolloids, including alginate-based solutions for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. Its alginates improve gel strength, stability, and texture in a wide range of products. The company continuously develops innovative formulations to enhance the functional benefits of alginate in plant-based foods, medical dressings, and encapsulation technologies.
7. Shandong Jiejing Group Corporation
Shandong Jiejing Group is a major producer of industrial and food-grade alginates, offering solutions for the textile, food, and medical industries. The company’s alginates are widely used in printing pastes, emulsifiers, and biodegradable coatings. With a focus on research and development, it continues to expand its product portfolio to meet global market demands.
8. Cargill, Incorporated
Cargill provides sustainable alginate solutions for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. The company’s alginates enhance viscosity, stability, and mouthfeel in dairy, sauces, and plant-based products. Cargill's extensive supply chain ensures high-quality seaweed sourcing and efficient alginate production, reinforcing its leadership in the alginate market.
9. BASF SE
BASF is a global chemical leader offering alginate-based solutions for industrial, agricultural, and healthcare applications. Its alginate formulations improve moisture retention, binding properties, and texture enhancement in food and pharmaceutical products. BASF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability drives the development of eco-friendly alginate derivatives.
In January 2025, BASF introduced a new concept focusing on eco-conscious, climate-adaptive beauty formulations at Cosmet'Agora 2025. The range includes products for hydration, cleansing, UV protection, and natural makeup, utilizing ingredients like Verdessence Alginate, derived from natural sources. This initiative aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and adaptive personal care solutions
10. Ashland
Ashland specializes in biofunctional ingredients, including high-performance alginates for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food applications. Its alginate-based formulations support wound healing, drug delivery systems, and skincare products. The company’s expertise in hydrocolloid technology ensures the consistent quality and performance of its alginate offerings.
11. FMC Corporation
FMC Corporation is a major player in the alginate market, offering high-performance alginate products for food, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. Its alginate solutions enhance texture, stability, and emulsification in dairy, sauces, and plant-based foods. FMC also focuses on sustainable seaweed sourcing to ensure a steady supply of high-quality alginates for various industries.
12. SNP, Inc.
SNP, Inc. specializes in biopolymer-based solutions, including advanced alginate formulations for the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The company provides sodium and calcium alginates designed to improve viscosity, gelling properties, and moisture retention in processed foods, dietary supplements, and wound care applications. SNP’s commitment to innovation strengthens its position in the alginate market.
13. Merck KGaA
Merck KGaA is a global leader in science and technology, offering pharmaceutical and industrial-grade alginates for a wide range of applications. Its alginate solutions are used in controlled drug delivery systems, biomedical research, and food stabilization. With a focus on quality and regulatory compliance, Merck KGaA continues to expand its footprint in the alginate market, supporting advancements in medical and industrial applications.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the alginate market occupies a pivotal position at the intersection of natural-resource supply, industrial chemistry, and emerging application domains. The firms that lead are not merely manufacturers of commodity stabilizers, they are innovators integrating supply-chain traceability, advanced formulation, and sustainability credentials.
As end-users seek ingredients that meet stricter regulatory, environmental, and performance standards, alginate providers that can offer both assurance and agility will gain the strategic advantage. The companies profiled in this blog exemplify these attributes: they are shaping how alginates will be sourced, processed, and applied going forward, and they are doing so with an eye toward the diverse demands of food, pharmaceutical, textile, and bio-engineering markets.
