This e-book complements an online version of Quality Assurance, Governance Systems and Good Practices for Tropical Seaweed-to-Carrageenan Value Chains. It is provided as a portal to knowledge, information, tools and solutions that negotiate the tangled web of rules, regulations, standards, tests and other requirements that increasingly make life complicated for industry stakeholders whether they be seaweed farmers, processors or end-users.

In particular this guide is intended to provide solutions to the value chain malfunctions that led to chaos in cottonii markets during 2008.

Specialty chemicals businesses such as the carrageenan business are in a constant state of change and comprehensive standards for carrageenan and agar in the BIMP-EAGA region have yet to be adopted although draft standards are under development. Consequently this is a “living document” that is being updated periodically. We heartily welcome suggestions and guidance from the users of this guide.