Eucheuma cottonii – A strategic raw material for the global carrageenan industry

Eucheuma cottonii, scientifically known as Kappaphycus Alvarezii, is a commercially valuable species of red seaweed, widely cultivated for the carrageenan production. Its derivatives are extensively used across the food industry and various other sectors. If you're exploring Eucheuma cottonii benefits and considering a purchase, the following information will be of value.

1. Key characteristics of Eucheuma cottonii

Eucheuma cottonii belongs to the Solieriaceae family and is recognized for its high economic value. This red seaweed can be identified by its thick, smooth, spine-free branches, and its ivory or light brown color when dried. It is a primary raw material for carrageenan extraction, a crucial gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Freshly harvested Eucheuma cottonii

2. Origin and distribution

In Vietnam, Eucheuma cottonii is predominantly cultivated in coastal provinces such as Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan, where  clean seawater, abundant sunlight, and stable salinity,  provide optimal natural conditions for seaweed farming. Additionally, semi-wild harvesting occurs on offshore islands such as Binh Hung and Binh Ba, helping preserve the seaweed’s original nutritional and quality properties.

Lam Hong sea moss’s current products are harvested from the Nha Trang coastal region.

3. Quality and certifications

Eucheuma cottonii supplied by Lam Hong sea moss is highly trusted by customers for meeting international standards and carrying multiple certifications, including:

• Organic certification
• HACCP and ISO 22000 for food safety
• GMP and FDA compliance for manufacturing and export standards
• Clear traceability throughout the supply chain

Its naturally clean quality, consistent standards, and chemical-free processing make Vietnamese cottonii highly competitive in global markets.

Eucheuma cottonii ready for pre-processing

4. Key nutrients and benefits of Lam Hong’s Eucheuma cottonii

Eucheuma cottonii contains high levels of:

• Polysaccharides, particularly natural carrageenan
• Essential minerals: calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine
• Vitamins: A, C, E, K, and antioxidants

Key benefits of Eucheuma cottonii include:

• Supporting thyroid function and hormonal balance (due to natural iodine).
• Boosting immunity and reducing inflammation.
• Aiding digestion and cleansing the intestinal tract.
• Providing antioxidant protection against free radicals.
• Supporting cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol.

These health benefits make Eucheuma cottonii increasingly favored in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and plant-based nutrition.

Packaged Eucheuma cottonii

5. Applications of Eucheuma cottonii across industries

Thanks to its high carrageenan content and consistency, Eucheuma cottonii is widely used in:

• Food industry: as a gelling agent in jellies, ice cream, yogurt, sausages, sauces.
• Cosmetics: as a thickening agent in creams, facial cleansers, natural masks.
• Pharmaceuticals: in excipients, vegetarian capsule shells, digestive aids.
• Animal feed and aquaculture: for mineral enrichment and immune support.
• Organic agriculture: as an ingredient in mineral-rich biofertilizers.

This diversity of Eucheuma cottonii applications reinforces its importance as a key industrial ingredient.

6. Outstanding characteristics of Eucheuma cottonii

• Thick, smooth body – easy to clean and process.
• High carrageenan content – excellent extraction yield.
• Naturally sun-dried – no bleaching chemicals used.
• Low moisture, minimal impurities – suitable for export.
• Uniform color, odorless – preserves full bio-nutritional value.

These Eucheuma cottonii characteristics help businesses reduce refining costs, improve processing efficiency, and meet strict import standards in markets like Europe, the U.S., and Japan.

Eucheuma cottonii stored at Lam Hong sea moss

7. Production and packaging process at Lam Hong sea moss

Seaweed is manually harvested from farms or offshore islands and then:

• Thoroughly cleaned with seawater and freshwater.
• Naturally sun-dried for 3–5 days.
• Packaged in 25kg or 50kg moisture-proof bags with production date and batch labeling.
• Upon request, Lam Hong sea moss provides COA (Certificate of Analysis), C/O (Certificate of Origin), and Phytosanitary certificates.

8. Why choose our Eucheuma cottonii?

• High quality – verified with clear testing and documentation
• Certified: HACCP, ISO, FDA, Organic
• Year-round stable supply
• Competitive pricing with volume flexibility
• Technical consultation and free sample testing support

In addition to these criteria, Lam Hong's products are harvested from the nutrient-rich Nha Trang region, ensuring excellent nutritional composition, cost-efficiency, and the ability to meet large-scale and long-term supply demands.

Contact us now to receive a quote and request a sample of Eucheuma cottonii.