Paeroa company AgriSea switches on ‘world first’ seaweed biorefinery

AgriSea's Ali Price with the company's new biorefinery. (Image: Supplied)

Fri, 17 Oct 2025

A new seaweed biorefinery in Paeroa is a world first that evolved from a scientific “Smart Idea” grant to a commercial operation in just eight years.The seaweed nanocellulose biorefinery opened in the Hauraki District town on Oct 17 and turns byproducts from AgriSea’s existing seaweed processing into a hydrogel with high-value applications.AgriSea received a $750,000 loan from the Kānoa Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit to support the construction of the new production plant.Hydrogel is a water-based substance...

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