There are actually many ways to produce carrageenan.

Marcel Carrageenan selects only the best method to produce both refined and semi-refined carrageenan (SRC). These methods are delicate and technically sophisticated processes. The Eucheuma seaweeds are sun-dried to preserve quality before the production process. Prior to extraction, the raw materials are classified and washed to remove sand and salt.

Carrageenan is extracted from the seaweed by alkali treatment at high temperature. The extract is then purified and converted into powder. This is done either by the gel-press, KCl-freezing, KCl-press, or alcohol precipitation method.


At the heart of the manufacturing process is the Quality Control Laboratory. Highly-trained chemists and food technologists continually ensure that the parameters are strictly followed and that the carrageenan being processed passes the specifications on:

• pH
• Viscosity
• Gel Strength
• Protein Reactivity and
• Other test parameters for the intended application

Commercial carrageenan is usually standardized by blending different batches of carrageenan and/or adding other gums and salts to obtain the desired gelling or thickening properties.