A while ago, we were approached by a media company about purchasing advertising space in the Telegraaf newspaper. An entire page, just for us. It sounds fantastic, but it also costs a lot of money. We also wondered if the newspaper was the right medium for plnktn. It's only for one day; doesn't that feel like shooting with a shotgun? Nevertheless, we decided to make the investment. Our mission is to give algae the stage they deserve, so that's what we're doing.
The message was a bit of a puzzle; the whole story is below, but will anyone actually read it? That's why we kept it very simple, because we see that works well for plnktn.
Here it is, our announcement, a call to all of the Netherlands, printed in a full-page newspaper today:
Don't get caught
Get your Omega-3 straight from the source: algae.
When we think of Omega-3, we think of fish. This idea stems from an old belief in the food industry. It used to be common sense, but we now know: fish don't produce Omega-3 themselves—they get it from algae.
According to the United Nations, approximately 17 billion kilos of fish are harvested from the ocean annually for Omega-3, largely for the production of fish oil capsules (source: FAO ). This has a major impact on the ocean, our largest and most important ecosystem. And yet, fish are merely a way station.
About Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy heart, brain, and eye function. The Health Council recommends a daily intake of 200 milligrams of Omega-3 from fish—the equivalent of one serving of oily fish per week. However, research by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) shows that only 11.4% of Dutch people meet this requirement (source: RIVM ). It's no wonder fish oil supplements are so popular. But with fish oil, we take a roundabout route. Why not get it straight from the source?
Well the Omega, not the fish
With algae, we can skip the middleman. The same benefits, from a 100% fish-free and plant-based source. Also handy if you eat little or no fish. Did you know that one capsule of fish oil can contain as many as 30 anchovies? (source: KRO/NCRV ) And that's not even mentioning the bycatch.
Omega-3 from algae oil
plnktn was founded on the belief that the food and supplement industry could be simpler, more responsible, and more transparent. The answer? Algae. With unparalleled nutritional value, algae are the ideal "sea vegetables" to start your day with. They're also ideal as natural supplements for Omega-3, Magnesium, and Vitamin D3, among other things. By cultivating algae in an algae farm, the oceans remain pristine while still benefiting from their health and climate advantages. Algae grow efficiently, quickly, and sustainably. A food source for the future.
Plnktn Omega-3 contains at least 250 mg DHA and 50 mg EPA per capsule, from a 100% fish-free and vegetable source.
We want to give algae the stage they deserve
That's our mission. Sometimes it takes courage, stepping outside your comfort zone, and sometimes just shooting the breeze in the hopes that the story will resonate with people. So, we did it – our very first newspaper ad!