Marea

Marea ehf. is a biotechnology startup that produces valuable products from the byproducts of other biotech companies, aimed at reducing food waste and plastic use. Its first product line, ICEBOREA, is a packaging coating for vegetables made from algal biomass left over after astaxanthin production. The coating comes in powder form, which is mixed with water and sprayed onto fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life, maintain freshness, and eliminate the need for plastic packaging. Sales of ICEBOREA are expected to begin in Iceland in 2026, starting with a preservation coating for cucumbers. At the same time, Marea is developing new product lines from brewing industry byproducts as well as marine biomass, for use in coatings and bioplastics. In doing so, the company seeks to create a circular economy in which materials once considered waste are transformed into useful products.