Can underused marine resources and biological side streams contribute to more sustainable ways of producing protein?
PROMISEANG, one of the five projects collaborating within the CIRCULARIS BioCluster, is exploring this question through microbial fermentation. The project investigates how microorganisms such as fungi, yeasts, and bacteria can transform underutilised marine resources, industrial biowastes, and by-products into high-quality protein biomass.
These alternative proteins are being explored for applications across several sectors, including food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. At the same time, PROMISEANG follows a zero-waste approach by investigating how valuable non-protein compounds can also be recovered or produced from available resources.
Through its expertise in fermentation, microbial protein production, and sustainable marine resource use, PROMISEANG brings an important perspective to the CIRCULARIS BioCluster collaboration.
New Research Explores the Path to Market for Marine-Based Proteins
In June 2026, PROMISEANG researchers published a new study in Future Foods examining what it takes for protein ingredients derived from marine by-products to move towards wider adoption.
The research gathered perspectives from 62 stakeholders across food and feed value chains in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Participants represented different parts of the system, including primary production, food processing, animal nutrition, ingredient supply, research, innovation, and industry associations.
The findings show that successful adoption of marine-based protein ingredients depends on more than technical innovation or sustainability benefits alone. Safety, processing costs, regulatory requirements, marketability, and consumer acceptance all need to be considered together.
The study also highlights the importance of language and communication. Describing useful raw materials as “waste” may negatively influence consumer perceptions and regulatory acceptance, demonstrating that the way circular solutions are presented can affect their future uptake.
By bringing together perspectives from across the value chain, the research provides insights that can support future innovation and policy strategies for sustainable marine-based proteins.
Read the full publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2026.101092
Could Microorganisms Help Produce Protein More Sustainably?
Another recent PROMISEANG article looks at a broader question: how can alternative protein production contribute to more sustainable food systems?
One promising approach is biomass fermentation. Microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, algae, and fungi can produce protein-rich biomass through fermentation. Depending on the organism and production process, the resulting biomass can also provide important nutrients, including essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
However, turning this potential into large-scale production involves several challenges. Suitable industrial infrastructure is needed, fermentation and downstream processing must be optimised, and production costs need to become competitive. Finding sustainable nutrient sources for microorganisms is another important part of the challenge.
This is where PROMISEANG’s circular approach comes in. The project is exploring how underused marine resources, marine discards, and industrial biowastes can be used in fermentation processes to produce nutritious protein biomass suitable for food and feed applications.
PROMISEANG also evaluates the nutritional value, safety, and sustainability of these new proteins in comparison with conventional sources. Through this work, the project aims to contribute to more diverse protein sources and circular approaches to resource use.
Read the original PROMISEANG article on sustainable alternatives for the future of food: https://promiseang-project.eu/sustainable-alternatives-for-the-future-of-food/
Sharing Knowledge Across the CIRCULARIS BioCluster
PROMISEANG’s work demonstrates how biotechnology, marine resource use, and alternative protein production can come together within the circular bioeconomy.
Together with ONE EARTH, VALORISH, MARMADE, and FOODIMAR, PROMISEANG contributes to the CIRCULARIS BioCluster’s shared ambition to exchange knowledge, explore synergies, and strengthen the impact of sustainable bio-based innovation across Europe.
Stay tuned for more research stories and news from the projects behind the CIRCULARIS BioCluster.