Euglena roundtable discusses role of Euglena Powder in nutrition and UCO recycling

Euglena GG Ltd. (Grameen Euglena) hosted a roundtable discussion on "Euglena Nutrition Value and Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Awareness" on February 20 at the Yunus Centre in Mirpur, Dhaka. 

The event brought together key experts and industry stakeholders to discuss the nutritional potential of Euglena powder and the challenges associated with UCO in Bangladesh.

Euglena GG Ltd. is a joint venture between Euglena Co., Ltd. of Japan and the Grameen Krishi Foundation in Bangladesh, an initiative launched by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and Mitsuru Izumo. Established in 2011, the company follows the Social Business principles introduced by Yunus.

The session opened with remarks from Nazneen Sultana, vice chairman of Grameen Group, followed by introductions of key participants, including representatives from NABISCO, New Olympia, Bioteh, and Muenzer. Dipesh Nag, managing director of Grameen Danone, was also present.

A presentation on the nutritional benefits of Euglena powder was delivered by Ayaka Nakashima, head of the Life Science Research Institute in Japan. Euglena, a microalgae, contains 59 essential nutrients and has been incorporated into food and cosmetic products. In Bangladesh, the powder is used to produce biscuits distributed to schoolchildren in slum areas under the GENKI (Shokti) program, which aims to address malnutrition.

The discussion then shifted to concerns over UCO usage in Bangladesh, where cooking oil is often reused multiple times. Experts outlined the health risks linked to this common practice. Ikuho Miyazawa, a board member of Grameen Euglena, and Nazmus Shaydut, head of operations, presented findings from a feasibility study on converting UCO into biofuel, emphasizing its environmental and health benefits.

The event included two focus group discussions. One examined the use of Euglena powder in food products, while the other explored alternative applications for UCO. Moksemul Fahim, head of research and development, provided insights into the environmental impact of improper UCO disposal and the potential benefits of biofuel conversion.

The event wrapped up with concluding remarks from Shiori Onishi, head of the Bangladesh office of Euglena Co., Ltd., who reiterated the company's to finding innovative solutions to these global issues, and emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve lasting change.

Following the discussions, participants received Euglena product samples and attended a luncheon. The discussion underscored the increasing attention toward Euglena's nutritional advantages and the potential for UCO recycling, underscoring broader efforts to improve public health and sustainability in Bangladesh.