AN independent Scottish distillery is set to repurpose a whisky by-product to grow microalgae as a sustainable source of Omega-3s.
In a "first of-its-kind" partnership with a distillery, leading Scottish biotech company MiAlgae said it will utilise whisky by-products such as effluent from Eden Mill’s distillation process to nurture Omega-3-rich microalgae.
Eden Mill will install an effluent storage tank at its distillery later this month as they progress toward the completion of their site, located just minutes from St Andrews. Due to re-commence distillation early in 2025, Eden Mill will open its doors to visitors from spring onwards.
The distillery will create both gin and single malt Scotch whisky in its new space.
Global demand for Omega-3s, traditionally sourced from wild-caught fish, is driving unsustainable overfishing – with 16 million tonnes of wild-caught oceanic fish annually.
Earthshot Prize finalists MiAlgae, hopes the circular solution of growing algae – the original source of Omega-3s – through an innovative process will eliminate the need for fish, "ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of these essential nutrients".
Commenting on the partnership, Rennie Donaldson, chief executive officer at Eden Mill, said: “We are delighted to announce our long-term partnership with MiAlgae, making use of their advanced bio-technology to create sustainable Omega-3 from our distillery’s effluent waste.
"Sustainability is a hugely important part of our distillery plans, and for our business as a whole, so the team are excited to see a by-product given an environmentally friendly second-use.”
Douglas Martin, founder and managing director at MiAlgae, said: “By partnering with Eden Mill, we will use nutrients from their distillery by-products to grow our eco-friendly Omega-3-rich microalgae.
"We’ll also upcycle the effluent to clean water. Their shared commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission to advance biotechnology for good.”
MiAlgae has recently been recognised as a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, to find "the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges".
The firm also secured £14 million in funding to accelerate its operations and scale production to meet surging global demand.
Eden Mill's new distillery will feature a retail space and cafe, as well as a bar on the top floor looking out over the Eden Estuary.
