Origin by Ocean
Origin by Ocean is a Finnish biotech that converts invasive Sargassum seaweed into high-purity bio-based ingredients — alginate (OceanThix™) and fucoidan (OceanBoost™) — sold B2B to cosmetics, personal care, food, textile, and agricultural manufacturers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersEspoo, Finland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Origin by Ocean does
Origin by Ocean Oy is a Finnish biotech company founded in 2019 by Mari Granström (PhD, Organic Chemistry) and headquartered in Espoo, Finland. The company operates a patented marine biorefining platform that converts invasive Sargassum seaweed and other brown algae into high-purity bio-based ingredients, addressing both an environmental problem (algal blooms damaging Caribbean coastal ecosystems) and an industrial opportunity (replacing fossil-derived inputs). Its flagship product lines are OceanThix™, an alginate biopolymer that functions as a thickener, stabilizer, rheology modifier, emulsifier, and humectant, and OceanBoost™, a fucoidan-based bioactive with documented multi-pathway skin activity (AP-1, TRPV1, wound healing, melanogenesis), available in sub-variants including OceanBoost™ LF, OceanBoost™ UV (an SPF booster), and OceanThix™ LV. The biorefinery also yields OceanResidue™, a nutrient-rich co-product for agricultural applications, enabling near-complete biomass utilization.
Origin by Ocean firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Origin by Ocean
- Legal name
- Origin by Ocean Oy
- Website
- https://originbyocean.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Origin by Ocean is a Finnish biotech that converts invasive Sargassum seaweed into high-purity bio-based ingredients — alginate (OceanThix™) and fucoidan (OceanBoost™) — sold B2B to cosmetics, personal care, food, textile, and agricultural manufacturers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Origin by Ocean industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bio-based Marine Ingredients
- NAICS
- Surface Active Agent Manufacturing (325613), Aquaculture (1125), Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (3117)
- SIC
- Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Food And Kindred Products (2000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bio-based Surfactants, Detergent Ingredients & Oleochemicals (EUAAAIAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae) (AFAEAAAE), Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae) (AFAJAHAF)
Keywords
Where Origin by Ocean is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Espoo
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Origin by Ocean business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Bio-based Ingredients Sales: Sale of high-purity algae-based ingredients (OceanThix™ alginate and OceanBoost™ fucoidan) to cosmetics, personal care, food, textile, and specialty chemical companies. Revenue from ingredient sales with pricing based on volume and purity specifications.
- Offtake Agreements: Pre-commercial offtake agreements with brands securing early access to future production from FOAK biorefinery. Long-term supply contracts with multinational consumer goods companies.
- Licensing Royalties: Technology licensing from patented biorefinery process for deployment in new geographic markets and biorefinery locations.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Origin by Ocean product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Origin by Ocean operates a patented marine biorefining platform that converts invasive Sargassum seaweed and brown algae into high-value bio-based ingredients. The company manufactures and sells OceanThix™ (alginate biopolymer for thickening, stabilization, emulsification), OceanBoost™ (high-purity fucoidan bioactive for skincare with multi-pathway skin benefits), and OceanResidue™ (nutrient-rich byproduct for agriculture applications). Products serve cosmetics, personal care, food, textile, detergent, agriculture, and packaging manufacturers as sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-derived ingredients.
Product overview
Origin by Ocean is a Finnish biotech company operating a patented biorefining platform that converts invasive sargassum seaweed into multiple high-value bio-based ingredients. The product portfolio centers on two flagship ingredient lines: OceanThix™ (alginate-based biopolymers for texture, stabilization, and rheology control) and OceanBoost™ (fucoidan-based bioactives for skin performance), complemented by OceanResidue™ byproducts for agricultural applications. The company is scaling toward its first industrial-scale biorefinery in Kokkola, Finland, targeting €65 million financing with €30 million from the European Investment Bank, with commercial production planned for 2027-2028. Products serve cosmetics & personal care, food, detergents, agriculture, textiles, and packaging industries, addressing a combined market of $220 billion.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- OceanThix™: Alginate-based biopolymer for food, cosmetics, and industrial applications - provides thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties
- OceanBoost™
- OceanResidue™
Products and services
- OceanThix™ High-performance biopolymer (alginate) derived from invasive sargassum seaweed, functioning as thickener, stabilizer, rheology modifier, emulsifier, and humectant. Used by cosmetics, personal care, food, and textile printing manufacturers as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-derived ingredients.
- OceanBoost™ High-purity fucoidan bioactive derived from invasive sargassum seaweed, offering skin benefits including hydration, soothing, barrier support, and skin longevity through multi-pathway biological activity. Used by advanced skincare and personal care brands seeking clinically validated marine bioactives.
- OceanBoost™ LF COSMOS-certified, high-purity fucoidan active ingredient for advanced skincare formulations focused on skin longevity, soothing support for sensitive skin, barrier reinforcement, even skin tone, and environmental stress defense. First commercial product featuring this ingredient launched with sauna/ing brand in October 2025.
- OceanBoost™ UV The world's first circular fucoidan upcycled from invasive sargassum, designed as a bioactive SPF booster delivering measurable SPF-boosting performance (+27.7% at 0.1% inclusion, +64.2% at 1.0% inclusion in in vivo testing) while activating skin's own defense systems against UV stress. Targeted at suncare and protective skincare formulations.
- OceanThix™ LV Purified biopolymer/alginate variant designed for skincare formulations, offering adaptive microbiome support, prebiotic-like effects for dry skin, and compatibility with oily skin flora. Also used in intimate care applications. Named Innovative Natural Raw Ingredient of the Year at European Natural Beauty Awards 2025.
- OceanResidue™ Nutrient-rich residue from the algae biorefinery process, utilized as fertilizer, seedbed, biocomposites, or animal feed and feed additives. Represents near-complete biomass utilization by converting process byproducts into valuable agricultural inputs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 23% increase in skin hydration and 19% reduction in TEWL after 28 days of twice-daily use at 0.3% OceanBoost™ LF dosage
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Origin by Ocean
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Origin by Ocean technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Origin by Ocean partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- ElomaticcoreEngineering partnership for basic engineering phase of FOAK facility. Elomatic brings deep expertise in industrial engineering, project execution, and complex bioprocess facilities. Focus on advancing technical maturity, de-risking project execution, and establishing foundation for delivery, financing, and future scale-up.
- EvonikcoreCollaboration through Circular Cosmetic Collective. Both companies received Green Dream Sustainability Awards at Making Cosmetics. Joint formulation 'Second Wave Emulsion' combining Evonik's ECOHANCE® emulsifiers with Origin by Ocean's ocean-derived ingredients.
- Fundación PuntacanacorePartnership to develop sustainable sargassum supply chain in the Dominican Republic. Building circular, ocean-positive value chain that transforms sargassum into high-value bio-based ingredients while driving ecological restoration and local economic opportunity.
- CABB GroupflagshipStrategic partnership to establish first-in-kind algae biorefinery at CABB's site in Kokkola Industrial Park, Finland. Uses Origin by Ocean's patented technology to process invasive sargassum seaweed into high-value ingredients. Target markets worth $220 billion including cosmetics and detergents.
- Circular Cosmetic CollectivecoreCollective of nine impact-led ingredient innovators including COLIPI, Gaia Tech, Innomost, Kaffe Bueno, Lignopure, NoPalm Ingredients, Origin by Ocean, Swedish Algae Factory, and The Upcycled Beauty Company. Platform supporting brands navigating sustainability claims and regulatory complexity.
- MyMicrobiomecorePartnership for microbiome-friendly certification. Three-step, cruelty-free in vitro protocol analyzes how ingredients interact with individual microbes, co-culture communities, and in simulated leave-on scenarios.
- Ellen MacArthur FoundationminorPart of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation community, supporting circular economy principles.
- EU Horizon Europe Missions - LOCALITYminorEU Horizon Europe Missions project consortium member for LOCALITY project.
- EU Horizon Europe Missions - AlgaeProBanosminorEU Horizon Europe Missions project consortium member for AlgaeProBanos project.
- EU Horizon Europe Missions - FutureLakesminorEU Horizon Europe Missions project consortium member for FutureLakes project.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Origin by Ocean competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Algaia: French specialty seaweed extracts company producing alginates, carrageenans, and fucoidans for cosmetics, food, and nutraceutical markets. Direct peer because both supply seaweed-derived hydrocolloids and bioactives to the same cosmetics and food formulators that Origin by Ocean targets.
- KIMICA Corporation: Japanese manufacturer of alginates and chitosan extracted from brown seaweed for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Direct peer because both supply seaweed-derived hydrocolloids at industrial scale to cosmetics and food formulators, with KIMICA being an established incumbent in the same product categories.
- CEAMSA: Spanish producer of alginates and other hydrocolloids from brown seaweed for food, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Direct peer because both compete in the seaweed-derived alginate supply chain, with CEAMSA serving the same downstream cosmetics, food, and textile customers.
- Gelymar: Spanish alginate producer extracting from brown seaweed for food, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Direct peer because both supply alginate-based ingredients to cosmetics and food manufacturers, competing on functionality, sustainability story, and price.
- Marinova: Australian company specializing in high-purity fucoidan extracts from brown seaweed for cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. Direct peer because both produce premium fucoidan bioactives with clinically validated biological activity and target the same cosmetic and skincare formulators.
- Swedish Algae Factory: Swedish algae biotech producing sustainable microalgae-based ingredients for cosmetics, food, and biostimulants. Direct peer because both are Nordic algae ingredient companies supplying cosmetics brands and are co-members of the Circular Cosmetic Collective, competing for similar bio-based formulation customers.
Emerging players
- Cellana: US-based algae biotech producing omega-3 oils, proteins, and bioactives from microalgae for nutraceutical, food, and personal care applications. Emerging player because both are developing algae-derived bioactives for premium markets, but Cellana focuses on microalgae rather than invasive brown seaweed and lacks Origin by Ocean's sustainability/circular narrative.
- COLIPI: German biotech producing bacterial fermentation-derived oils for cosmetics as sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals. Emerging player because both are bio-based cosmetic ingredient companies targeting sustainability-focused brands, co-members of the Circular Cosmetic Collective, and pursuing similar formulation chemistries with different feedstock routes.
Broad incumbents
- Corbion: Dutch specialty ingredients company producing algae-derived ingredients (including microalgae oils and fermentation products) for food, personal care, and industrial applications. Broad incumbent because it has scale, regulatory infrastructure, and global customer reach, but does not focus specifically on brown-algae-derived fucoidan or alginate.
- DSM-Firmenich: Dutch-Swiss specialty ingredients giant supplying personal care, food, and nutrition markets globally with a broad portfolio of bioactives, including algae-derived ingredients. Broad incumbent because it can bundle Origin by Ocean's ingredients with its existing cosmetic formulation portfolio and represents both a potential distribution partner and competitive threat.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Origin by Ocean social profiles
Digital presenceOrigin by Ocean compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Origin by Ocean financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Origin by Ocean leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Origin by Ocean funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors9 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Origin by Ocean M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Origin by Ocean
What does Origin by Ocean do?
Origin by Ocean operates a patented marine biorefining platform that converts invasive Sargassum seaweed and brown algae into high-value bio-based ingredients. The company manufactures and sells OceanThix™ (alginate biopolymer for thickening, stabilization, emulsification), OceanBoost™ (high-purity fucoidan bioactive for skincare with multi-pathway skin benefits), and OceanResidue™ (nutrient-rich byproduct for agriculture applications). Products serve cosmetics, personal care, food, textile, detergent, agriculture, and packaging manufacturers as sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-derived ingredients.
Is Origin by Ocean a public or private company?
Origin by Ocean is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Origin by Ocean founded?
Origin by Ocean was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Origin by Ocean based?
Origin by Ocean is headquartered in Espoo, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does Origin by Ocean make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Bio-based Ingredients Sales are the primary driver. The others are offtake Agreements and licensing Royalties.
Who are Origin by Ocean's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Algaia, KIMICA Corporation, CEAMSA, Gelymar, Marinova and Swedish Algae Factory. Emerging players are Cellana and COLIPI. Broad incumbents are Corbion and DSM-Firmenich.
Does Origin by Ocean have an API?
No public API is recorded for Origin by Ocean.
What industry is Origin by Ocean in?
Origin by Ocean's product category is Bio-based Marine Ingredients. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAAAIAE, Bio-based Surfactants, Detergent Ingredients & Oleochemicals, with a secondary code of AFAEAAAE, Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae). Its NAICS code is 325613 and its SIC code is 2860.