Nerdy Science Blog

Taiwan Electricity Company (Taipower) discovered that green algae essence can be used for cosmetic products, such as facial masks, facial cream, etc. This discovery was found by Taipower when its factory in Dalin, Kaohsiung established a green algae pond to reduce carbon emissions. Dalin Taipower factory manager, Chiu Tai Chuan (邱泰川), said that green algae cosmetology effect is the same as or better than mud and hot spring.  He explained it is due to algae contains a lot of mineral substances and biological nutrients.  The reproductive of algae and its growth rate is also an advantage for cosmetic production, and absorption of carbon dioxide by algae is two to three times more than normal trees.  Currently the algae technology of Taipower is still in research and development stage, and Taipower also lack of manpower.  This holdback the algae cosmetic products being sold in the market.

Can you imagine how do you look like when you are covered with green algae?

Source: TVBS [pic]

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Bernama (21/5/2008):

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) — Dutch biotechnology company Ingrepro BV Wednesday announced its plan to invest over 10 million euros (RM49.8 million) in algae plantations for healthcare products, feed additives and development of the PowerFarm concept in Malaysia.

The PowerFarm to be set up at Technology Park Malaysia is an industrial large scale algae production plant to produce cradle-to-cradle renewable biodiesel and biogas.

It will produce algae for biomass using industrial and agricultural waste water, said Ingrepro’s director and chief executive officer Carel Callenbach after signing a technology transfer and business collaboration agreement with Biomac Corp Sdn Bhd and a memorandum of understanding with Algaechem Sdn Bhd here.

It’s good to hear that there are more biotechnology companies invest in Malaysia. Malaysia has stable and suitable weather conditions for growing algae. Algae can be used as fertilizer, alternative energy source (as mentioned in the news), pollution control (the use of wastewater), produce stabilizing substances, and nutritious (can be made into food, such as seaweed a.k.a. “fat choy“). Algae also can be used as agar, chemical dyes and coloring agents. Cosmetics products can also be made by using microalgae.

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