Jiao et al. (2025): Carbon dioxide removal dilemma of macroalgae products: Evidence from carbon footprint and profitability

Tingting Jiao, Ellias Yuming Feng, Yongfu Li, Yajun Tian IN: Journal of Cleaner Production, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.144870

Macroalgae can bio-sequester atmospheric CO₂ into their biomass, thus it has been proposed and debated as a viable carbon dioxide removal strategy to mitigate climate change. The authors examine the carbon footprints of common macroalgae products through a “cradle-to-grave” life cycle assessment, and find carbon sequestration effect can only be accomplished by some specific macroalgae product types when they are properly stored rather than being used. They identify the product processing and usage stages in macroalgae’s life cycle contribute most carbon emissions, while the net primary production of macroalgae during growth only partially neutralizes its overall CO₂emissions.

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