Eden Mill, an independent Scottish distillery, has announced an innovative long-term partnership with MiAlgae, a leading biotech firm and Earthshot Prize finalist. This collaboration aims to repurpose whisky effluent, a by-product of the distillation process, to cultivate microalgae as a sustainable source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Addressing the Omega-3 Demand Crisis
The global demand for Omega-3s, which are traditionally sourced from wild-caught fish, has led to unsustainable fishing practices, with approximately 16 million tonnes of oceanic fish caught annually. MiAlgae presents a circular solution by growing algae—the original source of Omega-3s—through a process that eliminates the need for fish, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of these essential nutrients.
- Key Benefits of the Partnership:
- Sustainable Omega-3 Production: Utilizing distillery by-products to grow microalgae.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing reliance on overfishing and promoting eco-friendly practices.
This partnership marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a distillery and a biotech firm, showcasing how innovative approaches can transform waste into valuable resources. MiAlgae will leverage the whisky by-products from Eden Mill’s distillation process to nurture Omega-3-rich microalgae, creating a cost-effective and scalable solution for sustainability.
Eden Mill’s Commitment to Sustainability
Eden Mill has taken significant steps toward sustainability, including the installation of an effluent storage tank at its distillery. As the distillery prepares to resume operations in early 2025, it is also working on the completion of its brand home, located just seven minutes from St Andrews. The distillery plans to open its doors to visitors in the spring, offering a unique experience that highlights its commitment to sustainable practices.
Rennie Donaldson, CEO of Eden Mill, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “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.” He emphasized that sustainability is a core aspect of the distillery’s plans and overall business strategy.
MiAlgae’s Innovative Approach
Douglas Martin, Founder and Managing Director of MiAlgae, highlighted the synergy between the two organizations. “By partnering with Eden Mill, we will use nutrients from their distillery by-products to grow our eco-friendly Omega-3-rich microalgae,” he said. The partnership not only aims to produce Omega-3s but also to upcycle the effluent into clean water, further enhancing the environmental benefits of the collaboration.
MiAlgae’s recognition as a finalist for the Earthshot Prize underscores its commitment to advancing biotechnology for good. The firm has also secured £14 million in funding to accelerate its operations and scale production to meet the growing global demand for sustainable Omega-3 sources.
As Eden Mill prepares to distill both gin and single malt Scotch whisky in its new facility, the partnership with MiAlgae represents a significant step toward a more sustainable future in the spirits industry. The new distillery will also feature a retail space, café, and a bar with views of the Eden Estuary, promising an engaging visitor experience.
