Eden Mill and MiAlgae Turn Whisky Waste into Sustainable Omega-3

15/10/2024
Credit: Eden Milne

Eden Mill, an independent Scottish distillery, has partnered with MiAlgae, an Earthshot Prize finalist biotech company, to repurpose whisky distillation by-products for growing Omega-3-rich microalgae.

This innovative process offers a sustainable alternative to wild-caught fish, which are currently overfished to meet global Omega-3 demand.

MiAlgae’s cost-effective, scalable solution cultivates algae using whisky effluent, providing a circular approach to Omega-3 production.

Eden Mill has installed an effluent storage tank at their distillery near St Andrews, with plans to resume distillation in early 2025 and welcome visitors from spring onwards.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.

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.”

Credit: MiAlgae

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, a Scottish biotech firm, has achieved two significant milestones recently. Firstly, it has been named a finalist for the Earthshot Prize, an environmental award established by Prince William to recognise innovative solutions to global ecological challenges. 

Secondly, the company has secured £14 million in funding to expand its operations and increase production to meet growing worldwide demand.

Meanwhile, Eden Mill is developing a new distillery that will produce both gin and single malt Scotch whisky.

The facility will include a retail space, cafe, and a top-floor bar offering views of the Eden Estuary. Further information about the visitor centre and booking options will be available in the near future

The latest stories

Step into the Land of Oz at Six by Nico

Six by Nico has launched its latest culinary creation: the ‘Land of Oz’ menu, which will be available until December

Panther M*lk Expands Availability Across Scotland for Festive Season

This festive season, Panther M*lk announces it is widely available across Scotland in over 50 Co-Op and ASDA stores. Following

Innis & Gunn becomes official beer for Edinburgh’s festive events

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn has secured a three-year deal to become the Official Beer Partner for the Edinburgh Christmas

Festive gatherings await at Edinburgh’s Divino

As the festive season approaches, Divino in Edinburgh’s Old Town emerges as the perfect venue for memorable holiday gatherings. This

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.