Pigment extracted from algae

Gulf of Kassari, Estonia contains a large amount of red algae which has been used for more than 50 years as a source to produce a gelling agent, for instance for making marmalade. Scientific research shows that one of its most valuable compounds is natural colorant. Algae produce pigment to absorb the light energy needed for vital activities in deep and dark seawater (4­10 m deep). Isolated cases of the use of red pigment of red algae are known, but it has not been widely adopted in the cosmetics and food sector. High­pigmented algae make up the largest industrially used red algae in the Baltic Sea and are therefore an important renewable resource for both Estonia and Europe.