Out of the water
Operating to the highest environmental standards, Oriel Marine Extracts’ proprietary technology is allowing it to extract much more than salt from the Irish Sea
D eriving its products from the Irish Sea, Oriel Marine Extracts has had sustainability at its heart since setting up in Clogherhead, Co Louth in 2010.
The company’s initial focus was on identifying and developing an ecofriendly and energy efficient way of extracting and harvesting salt from the seawater taken from the bay of Port Oriel, north of Drogheda.
The proprietary technology it developed – and subsequently patented – extracts the sea water, which is then harvested through an organic and sustainable process that’s certified by Organic Trust and Origin Green and is kosher and halal approved.
The salt, which has an intense taste profile, is used by restaurants and hotels around the country and in products such as O’Donnells Crisps and Improper Butter, as well as being exported to the US and the Middle East. It has also just been selected by a major global brand for inclusion in a new product, according the company’s co-founder, Brian Fitzpatrick.
The patented technology, meanwhile, is also being used to extract other nutrients from the seawater. These, says Fitzpatrick, are scientifically proven to be the most bioavailable deep-sea liquid magnesium and minerals in a ‘free ion’ state available across the world.
“These minerals are very special. The best way I can describe it is that it’s like putting something back into your body that it remembers from when it was young and healthy. And it’s in a form that doesn’t need to be broken down.”
He adds that scientific studies carried out at Dublin City University have proven the benefits of these minerals to the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, neurological and skin and hair health.
The company expects to be involved in a clinical trial with the European Space Agency this year. The minerals have also been used in products by skincare and cosmetic companies, including Gosh and Neal’s Yard Remedies.
In August 2016, Oriel’s sea salt and sea minerals were both granted ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ by the European Commission, bringing to seven the number of Irish food names now protected by the EU quality register.
Sustainability has been an intrinsic part of the company’s operations since the outset, notes Fitzpatrick. “From day one, when we began to develop the technology, we wanted it to be the very best. We wanted it to stand up against anything from an environmental perspective.
“Our equipment is CE certified and operates to the highest environmental standards. No chemicals are used in the process, right down to the fact that a custom generator was built to clean the equipment using electrolysed water. We’re constantly using everything within the system to clean and to keep it running to its best.”
Three separate heat transfer systems optimise the reuse of energy, which is primarily steam and electricity. “We use our desalinated water to fulfil the needs of our steam boiler to remove the need for any water softeners. We don’t produce any waste and our target is to use or reuse 98% of the sea water we extract.”
“No chemicals are used in the process, right down to the fact that a custom generator was built to clean the equipment using electrolysed water”