An Ayr-based salt producer has been awarded almost £10,000 to fund sustainable projects as part of an industry-wide net zero commitment.
In partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, Blackthorn Salt will use the cash to increase the ambient temperature of seawater entering their giant tower at Newton Shore.
The use of zero carbon techniques will reduce the amount of fossil fuels required in their production process.
A total of 17 businesses from across the country have secured the funding from the Scottish Food & Drink Net Zero Challenge Fund.
It will see Blackthorn Salt and others work on projects with universities to accelerate their journey to net zero.
The fund aims to encourage businesses to take action on their environmental impacts by partnering with world-leading experts and academics in engineering, manufacturing, biotechnology and data science.
Blackthorn Salt use centuries of tradition combined with the knowledge of today to create natural sustainable salt crystals.
The firm's Gregorie Marshall said: “We are thrilled to have been granted this funding from the Scottish Food & Drink Net Zero Challenge Fund.
"Through simple sustainable changes the funding will enable a greater efficiency of energy use and the ability to keep the carbon footprint per box of Blackthorn incredibly low without impacting on the quality or ongoing costs of making the crystals.”
Jennifer McLachlan, strategy & external relations senior manager, added: “Our industry-wide goal to reach net zero is ambitious, but by working closely with colleagues in academia, it is within our grasp.
“Food and drink businesses of all sizes have a role to play and innovation, like we’ve seen from the businesses receiving this funding, is happening across the sector.
"Reducing our carbon footprint isn’t just good for the environment, but it’s increasingly becoming a demand from consumers, retailers and wholesalers, so businesses need to adapt.
"Thankfully, Scotland is already a leader in sustainable food production and with focused, collaborative efforts like the Net Zero Challenge Fund, we can protect both the planet and our bottom lines.”
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