Pacific Kelp Co. July '24 NewsletterSetting-up our kelp processing line in Ketchikan and getting out on the water!
July 31, 2024
Hello from Ketchikan, Alaska! We have some great updates to share with you this month, but first, make sure you're signed up for our emails by clicking here!
New Kelp Processing Equipment:
Pacific Kelp Co. founder Nick helping to load new kelp processing equipment for the quick trip from the port to our processing facility
This summer, we’ve been working to set up our own kelp processing facilities in Ketchikan. Kelp processing is a crucial step in the kelp supply chain, ensuring that the vast quantities of fresh kelp that are produced can be stabilized and converted into a product format that is easily transportable and useable. Historically, this has meant freezing, which does stabilize the kelp and prevent it from degrading. However, this method is costly and requires an extensive cold chain during transportation and up until use.
Instead of freezing, we are focused on dehydration. Dehydration makes the kelp shelf-stable for several years and does not require temperature controlled environments. Dehydrated kelp is also the product format that most customers and end-users prefer to work with, while having the added benefit of reducing the weight of the kelp by almost a factor of 10! This allows for easier logistics and cheaper shipping, all while preserving product quality.
As seen above, we've already started to receive some of the equipment necessary for a large-scale kelp processing line in Ketchikan. We're still testing all of our equipment and comparing different manufacturers and brands, but we aim to have initial results on our pilot line by the end of this summer. Stay tuned for more updates on our dehydration and processing trials!
Out on the water:
We've been spending more time on the water this summer, getting acquainted with the islands around Ketchikan and our farm site, locating kelp beds, and studying the natural rhythm of the environment. One thing is for sure: there is a lot of kelp in Alaska! We are amazed by the abundance of natural kelp beds, the diversity of species, and the way in which kelp forms the bedrock of almost all marine life in Alaska.
We look forward to spending even more time on the water these coming months as we begin setting up our first kelp farm!
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