Back in 1997 Prof. Steinberg, then research director at Preussag AG, was already considering the question of how carbon dioxide emissions from power stations, for example, could be put to good use. One way of consuming CO2 naturally and thereby producing oxygen is photosynthesis. One of the plant categories with the highest conversion rates is microalgae, still “responsible” today for half of all the oxygen molecules which we breathe. The idea of an algae production facility was born.

Europe’s largest microalgae producer since 1999 in Klötze/Germany

Construction of Europe’s largest microalgae production plant began in Klötze in 1999. One year later the first algae of the Chlorella vulgaris species were already being cultivated in this unique facility, the first of its kind in the world. This innovative patented technology was described as a “technological quantum leap in the production of microalgae”. Until then microalgae were traditionally produced in open ponds, mainly in South East Asia and the USA. The algae in Klötze are grown in a system of glass tubes, 500 km long, in a greenhouse covering 1.2 ha. The advantages are obvious. Firstly, the algae are exposed to optimal sunlight. There are no “dark zones” as in the depths of pond systems, for example. Secondly, contamination from outside is eliminated. Harmful substances such as pesticides and heavy metals cannot be introduced from the atmosphere. There is no risk of health hazards due to contamination by waterfowl, insects, bacteria, fungi and especially toxin-producing blue-green algae. This also means that the algal powder harvested does not require sterilisation or partial sterilisation. After being carefully dried, the powder can be consumed straight away or processed further. Nowhere else in the world are algae produced to such high standards of purity and quality. A team of scientists with many years’ experience in microalgal cultivation ensures that production processes are monitored and optimised competently.

Start of the research program ALGOHUB^TM

Since 2008 the Bioprodukte Prof. Steinberg belongs as a one hundred percent subsidiary to the ROQUETTE group. In the same year the research project ALGOHUB^TM was launched. 14 partners coming from research institutes and industry work together to study: the biodiversity of microalgae, to produce microalgae in high quality, to extract and purify nutritional compounds of interest and to demonstrate the benefit of these compounds in nutrition and health.

Chlorella from Klötze – top quality guaranteed

For algae to be used successfully it is essential that they are of outstanding quality. Chlorella is best taken regularly. Consequently possible contamination with harmful substances is particularly dangerous. Our innovative microalgal plant is responsible for the unique quality of our Chlorella products, a quality found nowhere else in the world. Our in-house laboratory continually checks all the parameters which are important for the cultivation of algae and for Chlorella products. Analyses by externally certified laboratories confirm these results. The entire production process takes place in Germany. Our quality management system is certified according to ISO 9001 guidelines. A certified HACCP programme has been implemented. In addition we are monitored by the appropriate authorities. These controls mean that our Chlorella is safe. It is very important for high levels of customer satisfaction that the Chlorella production process is transparent. The production facility can be visited at any time upon prior notice. All analyses are up-to-date and are available for inspection. An experienced team is available to answer your questions. We look forward to welcoming you!