Independent Scottish distillery Eden Mill partnered with Scottish biotech company and Earthshot Prize finalist, MiAlgae, to repurpose whisky effluent, a byproduct of distillation, to grow microalgae as a sustainable source of omega-3s.
MiAlgae offers a circular solution by growing algae through an innovative process that eliminates the need for fish, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of these essential nutrients. In this first-of-its-kind partnership with a distillery, MiAlgae will utilize whisky byproducts from Eden Mill’s distillation process to nurture omega-3-rich microalgae. MiAlgae's process operates at scale and is cost-effective, ensuring sustainability remains affordable without compromising impact.
Eden Mill has installed an effluent storage tank at its distillery as they progress toward the completion of their brand home, located just seven minutes from St. Andrews. Due to re-commence distillation early in 2025, Eden Mill will open its doors to visitors from Spring onwards.
“We are delighted to announce our long-term partnership with MiAlgae, making use of their advanced biotechnology 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 is excited to see a byproduct given an environmentally friendly second use,” said Rennie Donaldson, CEO at Eden Mill.
“By partnering with Eden Mill, we will use nutrients from their distillery byproducts 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,” said Douglas Martin, founder and managing director at MiAlgae.
MiAlgae has recently been recognized 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 will distill both gin and single malt Scotch whisky in its new distillery, which will also feature a retail space and cafe, as well as a bar on the top floor looking out over the Eden Estuary.
