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Norway's marine ingredients company, Epax, is investing $10 million to upgrade its production facility in Aalesund, Norway, as part of efforts to develop next-generation marine oil products.

The investment includes a new synthesis plant that will use Epax’s proprietary fractionation technology to modify fish oil and extract different fatty acids for tailored nutrition products. The company said that its R&D team has successfully tested the technology at a pilot scale, paving the way for industrial implementation.

Alongside strengthening its position in the omega-3 market, Epax aims to develop new patented products containing omega-9 and omega-11. These long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs), less widely recognised than omega-3, have potential applications in nutraceuticals for skin and metabolic health, as well as beauty and personal care products.

The new plant will have the capacity to process 5,000 tonnes of crude oil annually, sourced from North Atlantic pelagic fish species, which are particularly rich in omega-9 and omega-11.

The investment also includes an expansion of the facility’s tank farm to improve crude fish oil storage and optimise the use of different oil fractions for human nutrition.

Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax, said: “This investment is a demonstration of our dedication to harnessing the full potential of marine lipids, including next-generation fatty acids like omega-9 and omega-11. We’re proud to have created our own bespoke technology, which will enable us to continue developing exciting new products for human health. But as well as growth and innovation, we’re also committed to circularity and environmental stewardship. The expansion of our facility is designed to ensure that we make the best possible use of the rich resources on our doorstep.”

Construction is already under way, with the new plant expected to be operational by early 2026.