Eden Mill, MiAlgae partners to turn whisky byproducts into omega-3s

SCOTLAND – Eden Mill, an independent Scottish distillery, has joined forces with MiAlgae, a biotech company and Earthshot Prize finalist, to transform whisky byproducts into a sustainable source of omega-3s. 

This unique partnership utilises whisky effluent, a byproduct of Eden Mill’s distillation process, to cultivate microalgae rich in omega-3. 

MiAlgae’s innovative process eliminates the need for fish, offering a circular solution for producing these essential nutrients. 

The collaboration marks the first time a distillery has partnered with a biotech firm in this way. MiAlgae’s cost-effective process, which operates at scale, makes sustainability affordable without sacrificing impact. 

The company uses the nutrients from Eden Mill’s byproducts to grow eco-friendly omega-3 microalgae while recycling the effluent into clean water. 

This process aligns with Eden Mill’s commitment to sustainability, which is integral to its distillery and overall business plans.

Rennie Donaldson, CEO of Eden Mill, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it gives their byproducts an environmentally friendly second use. 

Douglas Martin, MiAlgae’s founder and managing director, highlighted the shared commitment to sustainability, emphasising how the project advances biotechnology for environmental good.

MiAlgae’s work has gained significant recognition, being named a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize, an award founded by Prince William to highlight innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. 

The company has also secured £14 (US$18.5) million in funding to scale its production and meet the growing global demand for sustainable omega-3 sources.

This latest investment will allow the company to expand its operations, build an industrial-scale production facility, and meet the growing demand for sustainable omega-3s in aquaculture, pet food, and human health sectors.

MiAlgae’s breakthrough product, NaturAlgae, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional omega-3s typically sourced from wild-caught fish.

As Eden Mill prepares for its next phase, which includes installing an effluent storage tank at its distillery and returning to distillation in early 2025, the company is also building a new brand home near St. Andrews. 

This space will include a distillery for gin and single malt Scotch whisky, a retail area, a café, and a bar with views of the Eden Estuary. Visitors can expect to experience this new distillery when it opens in Spring 2025.

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