By Danila Chiapperini (CEO and co-founder ApuliaKundi)
In 2021, Andriani SpA in partnership with ApuliaKundi Srl, realities that have always been committed to the challenge of environmental sustainability, cooperatively launched a circular economy project to jointly respond to this challenge through the proposal of a sustainable development model.
The two companies have built the largest covered plant in Europe to produce spirulina in circular economy using water from Andriani SpA’s production process. Specifically, the water, after being properly treated through an oxidation plant combined with a reverse osmosis plant, and thus achieving suitable characteristics, is used for the production of the microalgae. The spirulina produced is sold by ApuliaKundi pure or as an ideal ingredient in functional products, but it also becomes an ingredient that returns to the Andriani pasta factory to produce gluten-free spaghetti and fusilli with spirulina, thus closing the circle a virtuous process of circular economy put in place between the two companies.
Considered since ancient times “the food of the gods,” Spirulina is a microalgae characterized by its high nutritional value and low environmental impact. FAO has called it “the food of the future.”
Algaculture today can be a sustainable answer to the nutritional needs of the planet. Producing Spirulina not only does not cause pollution, but through the biological process of photosynthesis it contributes to the abatement of greenhouse gases by capturing CO₂. Thus, the project contributes to mitigating industrial impact through CO₂ capture, and cultivating Spirulina contributes to greenhouse gas abatement. For every kg of dry spirulina produced, in fact, 2 kg of Co2 is captured from the environment. It also does not cause soil erosion, water contamination or forest destruction and does not require the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides. It requires much less water and energy per kg of protein than any other food.
As of 2021, since the opening of the plant, about 420,000 liters of water have been reused and about 1,500 kg of CO₂ captured from the atmosphere through this circular economy project. “Feeding the world sustainably is possible.”
Spirulina
Spirulina is a wonder of nature because of its extraordinary nutrient content. It is the most complete and nutritious food, for these reasons it is called a superfood.
Indeed, it possesses extraordinary nutritional, therapeutic and health benefits by virtue of its high nutritional value. It is also referred to as a nutraceutical food because it has high nutritional content and, like a drug, healing capabilities.
Taking Spirulina K BIO ApuliaKundi is good for you because.
- It is a natural energizer due to the fact that it is a food with a complete nutritional profile;
- It is a potent antioxidant, due to the presence of phycocyanin, selenium and vitamin, which can reduce free radicals and cell aging.
- It decreases the level of bad LDL cholesterol in favor of good HDL cholesterol, as it contains omega 3 and omega 6;
- It promotes the depurative action of the liver and kidneys because it has a chelating action;
- Protects the nervous system due to the presence of particular essential amino acids and B vitamins;
- It maintains the right level of blood sugar, so it keeps the glycemic index low;
- Maintains skin elasticity and the health of hair, nails, and eyes due to the presence of Vitamin A and sulfur amino acids;
- Strengthens the immune system, due to the antiviral action of Spirulina has an immune-stimulating function;
Spirulina K BIO ApuliaKundi has many other benefits such as:
- It increases physical endurance and muscle development due to the presence of protein and mineral salts, particularly such as magnesium and potassium;
- It is a natural source of iron, which is bioavailable due to the presence of vitamin C;
- Promotes concentration and memory due to the presence of phosphorus;
- It has a prebiotic function in that it helps develop lactic acid bacteria conducive to rebalancing intestinal flora, so it is ideal after taking antibiotics;
- It is useful in dieting aimed at weight loss or low-calorie regimens, as it inhibits the feeling of hunger;
- It fortifies the bones as it contains calcium;
- It has an anti-aging function due to the presence of antioxidants and vitamins; antioxidants that counteract the action of free radicals;
- Promotes good mood due to the presence of the serotonin precursor.
Spirulina is an ally for anyone who needs energy, has nutritional deficiencies such as iron, suffers from celiac disease, for vegans, vegetarians, athletes, those on a food diet or detox diet, and for those who want to do prevention through a proper lifestyle and a healthy, balanced diet.
Why Choose Spirulina K ApuliaKundi
ApuliaKundi Spirulina K is characterized by very high quality standards. It was developed by the ApuliaKundi team, in fact, after a long period of research on the production process and the final product.
Spirulina from different countries around the world can be found commercially, often processed into different types of forms such as tablets, capsules, tablets, powder etc.; due to processing, however, Spirulina often loses traceability and purity. For these reasons, it is important to know where it is produced/sourced and how it is grown.
ApuliaKundi Spirulina K is characterized by several standards of the highest quality.
- 100% NATURAL SPIRULIN as it is grown naturally following seasonality. Due to the plant’s location in Puglia and thus the warm temperatures of the region, we produce Spirulina K naturally;
- 100% PURE SPIRULIN is a controlled product, Spirulina is grown in a fully monitored environment protected from outside contamination;
- ORGANIC SPIRULIN is certified;
- SPIRULIN IN STICK making it a versatile product that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and used as an ingredient in cooking for other preparations;
- SPIRULIN IN 100% PURE COMPRESSES a unique product because the tablets contain no excipients, preservatives, thickeners;
- RAW FOOD thanks to the innovative cold drying system keeps its nutraceutical properties intact;
- GLUTEN FREE because it is grown and packaged in a facility where only spirulina is produced;
- VEGAN due to its purity is a suitable product for those who choose a vegan diet;
- SUSTAINABLE, ApuliaKundi’s choice not to produce in the winter months makes SpirulinaK a sustainable food; we do not artificially light or heat;
- ITALIAN SPIRULINA, Spirulina is grown in an Italian plant in Puglia with EU standards.
By choosing ApuliaKundi products, you choose to support quality, made in Italy and youth entrepreneurship as well as sustainable and eco-friendly production.
Relevant territorial context in which the project was developed.
The reference context is that of the Apulian hinterland territory in which Andriani SpA represents a flagship company and an engine of development in the area. It is considered among the most important companies in the innovation food sector, with a plant entirely dedicated to gluten-free productions.
It has always developed and produced a full range of innovative and uniquely flavored gluten-free pasta from a variety of naturally gluten-free ingredients. ApuliaKundi Srl is an Innovative SME from Apulia, formed by young people from Apulia that is involved in micro algae research; specifically, it produces organic, natural, 100% pure and Made in Italy Spirulina K. ApuliaKundi in collaboration with others produces Spirulina K-based functional products, promotes scientific popularization of issues such as the close link between food production and environmental impact. ApuliaKundi also offers business support services for economic diversification.
From the perspective of open innovation, shared by the two companies, this solution can also be adapted to other industrial contexts in order to solve concerete problems and recover resources that might otherwise be lost and thus represent waste.
