PROJECTS AND RESEARCH
Planet Ruhnu is a seaweed farming company founded in 2023 on Ruhnu Island, Estonia, focused on the cultivation, valorisation, and sustainable food and beverage production from local Baltic Sea seaweed. Our work is grounded in scientific research and international cooperation.
RESEARCH PARTNERS
Our seaweed activities are built on scientific collaboration with Estonia's leading research institutions:
TFTAK (Centre of Food and Fermentation Technologies) — partnership in seaweed processing and food safety research.
University of Tartu, Estonian Marine Institute — collaboration in marine ecosystems and seaweed biology. Our scientific advisor is senior researcher Jonne Kotta, one of Estonia's most recognised marine biology experts and co-author of key studies on macroalgae cultivation potential in the Baltic Sea.
TalTech (Tallinn University of Technology) — cooperation in marine environment modelling and environmental technology, including researcher Mariliis Kõuts.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Mission Ocean and Waters Support
Planet Ruhnu successfully completed the European Commission's Mission Ocean mentorship programme, which supports innovation and sustainable solutions in the maritime sector. The programme provided valuable knowledge and contacts for advancing blue economy initiatives across Europe.
BlueActionBANOS
We participate in the Baltic and North Sea blue economy cooperation network. We have submitted an application for an international cooperation project in seaweed cultivation and valorisation. BlueActionBANOS brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to develop the sustainable blue economy.
KIK — Environmental Investment Centre
Our seaweed cultivation and experimental seaweed kitchen project has received funding from Estonia's Environmental Investment Centre (Keskkonnainvesteeringute Keskus), confirming the environmental value of our activities and our contribution to Baltic Sea health.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Planeet Ruhnu Gin — Silver Medal, Best Estonian Drinks 2024
Planeet Ruhnu Gin — Silver Medal, Best Estonian Drinks 2025
Our handcrafted gin made from local bladderwrack has been awarded silver medals at Estonia's most prestigious drinks competition in two consecutive years.
Seaweed Balm at the Estonian National Museum
The Planet Ruhnu seaweed balm is sold at the Estonian National Museum (ERM) gift shop — a recognition of our product quality and cultural value.
Estonian Food Region 2024 — Saaremaa, Muhu and Ruhnu
Ruhnu seaweed was a mandatory ingredient at the 2024 Estonian Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year competitions at the Kultuurikatel festival. Our seaweed was also served at the Estonian Presidential Chancellery during a state reception.
KIK Environmental Project
The experimental seaweed kitchen and seaweed cultivation project received funding from the Environmental Investment Centre.
Handcrafted Seaweed Soap
In collaboration with Buldersi Farm on Ruhnu Island, we produce artisan soap containing local seaweed — rich in skin-nourishing minerals and trace elements.
EXPERIMENTAL SEAWEED KITCHEN
Opened in 2025, the experimental seaweed kitchen on Ruhnu Island is a one-of-a-kind facility where we develop and test seaweed processing methods: drying and grinding, fermentation using traditional and modern techniques, extract preparation, and fresh seaweed in culinary applications.
The kitchen activities follow seasonal cycles aligned with the natural growth patterns of Ruhnu's local seaweed species. We welcome collaborations with researchers, chefs, and food innovators.
PARTNERS
- TFTAK (Centre of Food and Fermentation Technologies)
- University of Tartu, Estonian Marine Institute
- TalTech (Tallinn University of Technology)
- Peninuki Distillery (gin production partner)
- KIK (Environmental Investment Centre)
- European Commission (Mission Ocean and Waters)
- BlueActionBANOS
- Estonian National Museum (ERM)
- Buldersi Farm, Ruhnu (artisan soap)
COLLABORATE WITH US
We are always looking for new partnerships in seaweed research, product development, and blue economy innovation. Whether you represent a university, research institute, food company, or public sector organisation — we'd love to hear from you.
Contact: planeet@ruhnu.ee | +372 5434 0805
Address: Rahvamaja, 93001 Ruhnu, Saare County, Estonia