SeaStock Wins $740K Funding to Scale Sustainable Red Pigment Production
Fremantle-based innovator SeaStock has secured $740,000 in funding through the Federal Government’s Food and Beverage Australia (FaBA) initiative, propelling the company toward pilot-scale production of its high-purity, naturally derived red pigment. The funding positions SeaStock at the forefront of a global shift away from synthetic food ingredients, offering a clear, sustainable alternative.
While Australian asparagopsis research has led to numerous startups focused on livestock supplements, SeaStock is taking an additional path. Rather than following the herd, the company is harnessing the macro-algae to produce a naturally derived red pigment — a solution increasingly sought after as authorities move to restrict synthetic food colorants. SeaStock’s RUBY SEA™ pigment addresses both sustainability and consumer demand for clean-label ingredients.
The project funded by FaBA will encompass several critical components. SeaStock will optimise the extraction process for its pigment, explore and evaluate commercially viable co-products, and generate the data required to support regulatory approval by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) as well as other international authorities. The funding will also enable the company to scale its operations from bench-scale research to pilot-scale production, an important step toward commercialisation.
Beyond its commercial potential, SeaStock’s innovation holds broader implications for sustainability and public health. By providing a naturally derived alternative to synthetic red pigments, the company contributes to a food system that is both environmentally responsible and health-conscious. The adoption of such ingredients could reshape how products are formulated globally, offering consumers vibrant, safe, and natural options without compromising on quality or visual appeal.
As demand grows for sustainable and naturally sourced ingredients, SeaStock’s work demonstrates the potential for Australian innovators to lead on the international stage. With FaBA funding accelerating its development, the company is well-positioned to bring its unique red pigment to market, helping to chart a more sustainable and health-focused future for the food and beverage industry.
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