Scotland-based company MiAlgae has found a way to produce plant-based omega-3 using waste from whisky production. Instead of disposing of the leftover barley that remains after distillation, the residues are turned into a nutrient medium for microalgae. These algae are a natural source of omega-3, which is then used in feed and supplements.
This approach makes it possible to avoid using fish oil, reduce pressure on the oceans, and cut CO2 emissions. According to the company, 639 million liters of waste have already been processed and 1.6 million tons of fish replaced. MiAlgae is preparing to launch a new plant in 2026, which will increase capacity by more than tenfold.
It is expected that the annual need to catch marine fish could be reduced by six billion fish, while up to 36 million liters of whisky waste could be processed.
