The Future of Farming and Skincare Starts in Alaska’s Waters
What if the solution to healthier soil, cleaner oceans, and more sustainable farming came from the sea? In Southeast Alaska, Pacific Kelp Company is proving that it can. This innovative business is transforming Alaskan Giant Kelp—the largest and fastest-growing kelp species on Earth—into sustainable products that support both environmental and human health.
Founded by Nick Stern and John Smet, two friends who met at Cornell University, Pacific Kelp Company cultivates, processes, and develops products made from this powerful marine plant. Their flagship product, KELPEX, is a liquid kelp extract designed to improve plant and soil health while reducing farmers’ reliance on synthetic fertilizers that can harm the environment. The company also produces a line of kelp-based skincare, using nutrient-rich marine compounds to create clean, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cosmetics.
After leaving their corporate careers to pursue a more meaningful path, Nick and John relocated to Ketchikan, Alaska, with a clear goal: to build a company that’s good for the planet, good for people, and economically viable.
But making that vision a reality wasn’t easy. They had to navigate complex state regulations, secure funding, and develop methods to process raw kelp into stable, high-value products.
To overcome those challenges, they turned to the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for expert guidance. Working closely with business advisor Ruth Wolfe, they received help with regulatory compliance, permitting, market research, and securing funding—critical steps for scaling operations in Alaska.
Pacific Kelp Company built a facility to fully integrate operations from ocean farming to centralized processing. Their kelp is harvested fresh and processed using low-impact, chemical-free techniques that preserve its natural bioactive compounds. For agriculture, this means a biostimulant that helps crops grow stronger, become more drought resilient, and better resist disease. For skincare, it means a gentle, effective moisturizer made from kelp that’s fermented in small batches and blended with only a few essential ingredients.
Their innovative approach is gaining traction. Pacific Kelp Company recently received a grant from the Southeast Conference and is partnering with Cornell University and Washington State University on field trials. These studies are evaluating KELPEX’s ability to improve crop yield, drought tolerance, and disease resistance in turfgrass and wine grapes—benchmarks that could unlock larger agricultural markets.
Pacific Kelp Company is just getting started. With plans to expand product lines, strengthen research partnerships, and bring Alaska-grown sustainability to more farms and skincare shelves, they’re proving that the ocean holds the keys to a healthier future for people, the planet, and generations to come.
To learn more or explore their products, visit www.pacifickelp.co
Follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes looks at their work in Ketchikan, Alaska.
