Q&A: What you need to know about Eurofins offerings for ABO members
Eurofins Craft Technologies recently became a gold member of the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO). Our team is excited to offer discounts and special rates to other ABO members. We answered some common questions about the ABO, membership benefits, and testing with Eurofins below.
Q: What is the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO)?
A: The ABO is a collection of public and private institutions that collaborate to push research and innovation forward to support and promote the algae and seaweed industry.
“ABO is at the forefront of a new generation of algae cultivation technologies that are creating opportunities for sustainable products in dozens of markets, providing jobs in rural areas and addressing a variety of environmental challenges.” – ABO website
Q: Why did Eurofins Craft Technology decide to join ABO?
A: At Eurofins Craft Technology, we are supportive of the algae industry’s current and future expansion. We also recognize that the body of research is rapidly growing and industry needs are changing. We joined the ABO to be a part of a group that understands the trends, needs, upcoming science, and current events surrounding the algae industry.
We have a selection of tests that support algae products and ingredients in some way. Through joining ABO, we can ensure our offerings are relevant to the current market and predict future testing needs.
Q: Why is testing algae and seaweed products important?
A: Algae and seaweed products are ubiquitous in daily life. They are ingredients in toothpaste, shampoo, cosmetics, foods, supplements, and more. Third party testing can confirm an ingredient’s source, composition, concentration, and quality to build a positive brand reputation, ultimately resulting in increased sales and market reliability.
Q: What is Craft’s history with algae and seaweed testing?
A: Eurofins Craft Technologies Inc. is the first laboratory in the world offering an A2LA accredited option for astaxanthin ester profile - Astaxanthin Esters by HPLC (Certificate number 5492.01). We regularly work with members of the algae community to expand our testing options and ensure our analytical testing methods are applicable to the industry.
Q: What kind of testing does Craft provide?
A: Eurofins Craft Technology is the leading third party testing laboratory for algae and seaweed testing. Our offerings range from basic nutritional analysis to novel method development in raw ingredients and finished products:
- Nutritional analysis: Screening for basic vitamins and minerals
- Contaminants: We can detect and measure heavy metals, pesticides, and other common contaminants in algae and seaweed, which is important due to the bioremediation qualities of these ingredients.
- Algae specific profiling: We currently support analysis of many algae specific compounds. Craft is the only A2LA accredited lab with astaxanthin testing methods, and we also support fatty acid, fucoxanthin, carotenes, chlorophyll, phycocyanins, and fucoidan analysis. We also regularly work with customers to support method transfer, meaning we can adopt methods for other compounds to a new matrix or situation.
- Ingredient sourcing: Using specific tests, we can investigate ingredient sources, which improves an ingredient or products integrity.
- Method development: Our team is excited to help you develop new methods for your products and ingredients. If you have a compound that lacks an appropriate method, we can use similar methods to create one that suits your needs.
Q: What are the benefits of testing with Eurofins as an ABO member?
A: Eurofins Craft Technologies is exclusively offering discounts to ABO members. We believe working together will improve the algae and seaweed industry by increasing quality standards and ensuring safe and reliable products reach the market. The discounts offered to ABO members will likely surpass the membership fee after testing only a few samples.
Q: How do I join ABO?
A: There are nine membership options with the ABO, ranging from student to “diamond.” To see the prices and benefits of each option, click this link. To become a member, fill out this application!
Q: How do I get started with Craft?
A: Contact us at EurofinsCraftClientServices@EurofinsUS.com to connect with our scientists and learn more about our current offerings. Learn more about Eurofins Craft Technologies through our website. We are excited to work with you!
