Plymag: Algae-Based Fertilizers Redefining Crop Yields in Spain and Beyond
Sea farming meets sustainable farming. Plymag, a Alicante-based company, specializes in producing fertilizers derived from seaweed extracts. These biostimulants are designed to nourish crops while preserving the environment, helping fields achieve higher yields across diverse climates. The company’s growth story is closely tied to its mission of combining natural inputs with modern farming needs, and Plymag now ships its products to key agricultural regions around the world.
Seaweed extract facilities in Pego play a central role in Plymag’s operations. The plant, installed to support scalable production, has become a cornerstone of the company’s ability to supply high-quality biostimulants that align with sustainable farming practices.
Plymag’s roots reach back to 1978. The firm’s leadership recalls how the founder began by purchasing and packaging fertilizers tailored to local farming needs, adapting as the agricultural environment evolved. By 1990, with the involvement of Carlos Feliu and his siblings Fernando and Ana, Plymag began manufacturing its own products, marking a transition from sourcing to in-house development.
Over the years, the company continued to source certain inputs, including seaweed extracts that were originally developed in Northern Europe. In 2015, after facing supply disruptions from British suppliers, Plymag embarked on a strategic project to produce its own seaweed extracts. The team researched suitable extraction equipment and identified algae species suitable for their process, sourced from both the North Atlantic and Southern Africa, ensuring a steady, regionally aware supply chain.
The result of this strategic shift was the launch of a dedicated production plant. Plymag emphasizes a mechanical extraction method that preserves the biological integrity of the product, prioritizing environmental stewardship. The seaweed they harvest is obtained through pruning rather than uprooting, allowing continued regrowth and ongoing supply without harming the natural ecosystem.
The impact of Plymag’s biostimulants on crop performance has been notable. Executives note that the algae thrive in cold, tidal Atlantic conditions, and the development of natural defenses within the extracts helps the products remain effective under challenging climates. This resilience translates into robust plant growth, improved nutrient uptake, and weathering of stress factors that often limit yields.
Currently, Plymag produces approximately 300 tons of algae-based fertilizers each year, representing a portion of its total output. A significant share—about 40 percent—is exported to regions including Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, reflecting growing demand for sustainable agronomy solutions. The company maintains commercial subsidiaries in Chile, Colombia, and Portugal, enabling closer engagement with farmers and distributors across multiple continents. With a workforce of around 50 employees, Plymag reported a turnover of 13.5 million in the previous year, marking steady expansion and continued investment in research, development, and production capacity.