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A Korean company that has developed sea salt with optimal magnesium concentration and reduced microplastic contamination is seeking to expand its presence in the European market

Summary

Closed for EoI
Profile Type
  • Technology offer
POD Reference
TOKR20241115001
Term of Validity
15 November 2024 - 15 November 2025
Company's Country
  • South Korea
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
A Korean eco-friendly salt company has developed premium sea salt with lower microplastic levels and a balanced magnesium concentration. This technology eliminates microplastics for cleaner, safer salt, while reducing magnesium to remove bitterness without losing essential minerals. The startup, a university spin-off, aims to expand globally by securing distribution and sales contracts with food distribution companies.
Full Description
Microplastic Concentration and Issues in Regular Sea Salt

The average daily consumption of microplastics by an adult is estimated at approximately 5g. These microplastics can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially harming health in various ways. Almost all salt brands available on the market contain significant amounts of microplastics. Sea salt, in particular, harvested from seawater, tends to have the highest levels of microplastics compared to other processed salts.

Efficient Processing Method

Previous methods, such as electrostatic separation, color separation, and melting/burning, were used to remove microplastics. However, these techniques were inefficient, costly, and time-consuming. With advancements in technology, the efficiency of these methods has significantly improved, reducing production costs and processing time. The company's newly developed technology efficiently produces high-quality sea salt while rapidly removing microplastics.

De-plasticization and Carbon Neutrality

This technology aligns with the global recognition of the harmful effects of plastic and supports the strong enforcement of de-plasticization and carbon neutrality policies, making it well-suited for current sustainability initiatives.
Advantages and Innovations
1. Processing Technology

The startup uses a patented technology which significantly reduces magnesium and removes microplastics from sea salt. With this process, the company's branded salt reduced magnesium, which can add a bitter taste to food, down to 3g per 1kg, and removed more than 97% of microplastics as small as 25 micrometers from the sea salt.

2. Taste

By reducing magnesium, the bitter taste is eliminated, and the saltiness is lowered. However, the natural minerals remain intact, enhancing the taste and flavor of food.

3. Safety

Raw sea salt is produced as clean salt through various processing processes including patented methods.

It has received food safety management certification as well as Halal certification.
Stage of Development
  • Already on the market
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Not relevant
IPR status
  • Secret know-how

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
1. F&B Distributor

- United States: Hypermarkets and supermarkets hold the largest and main market share among distribution channels.
- Local food distributors who can supply to Asian/Korean marts (Hmart, GW supermarket, Zion market, etc.)
- Europe and Middle Eastern Countries: There is increasing interest in natural and additive-free foods, as well as a rising demand for products that can replace rapidly lost natural electrolytes due to harsh climates. Given the significant cultural gap with Asia and the prevalence of agency-based transactions in these regions, collaboration with trustworthy local distributors with extensive market networks is essential.
Type and Size of Partner
  • Other
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 08001002 - Food Additives/Ingredients/Functional Food
  • 08001005 - Food Technology
Market keywords
  • 05008002 - Food and feed ingredients
  • 07003002 - Health food
Targeted countries
  • All countries