Researchers at the University of Aberdeen and a chemical manufacturing company, RIPCELL, have developed a method to extract valuable biobased chemicals from whisky distillery waste streams. The process, which uses a separation technique called liquid chromatography, has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The team extracted high-value compounds, such as lactic acid, from pot ale and spent lees, which are co-products of the whisky distillation process. These chemicals have potential applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and drink, and cosmetics.
The project was funded by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and received support from Chivas Brothers, a whisky group with distilleries across Scotland. The researchers used samples of waste streams from 12 distilleries to demonstrate the feasibility of the process.
The study found that the bio-based chemicals produced through this method have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional petrochemical routes. On a global scale, the new manufacturing method could reduce industry emissions by 392 million kg of CO2 equivalent per year.
The next step for the team is to scale up the separation process to prove its viability at an industrial scale. The potential benefits of this technology are significant, with estimates suggesting that it could be worth up to £90 million in global chemical manufacturing markets.
Dr Eve Wildman, founder of RIPCELL, noted that the project has the potential to transform the way distilleries manage and process their residues. “For decades, the majority of these co-products have been used as animal feed, but we have found a new, more valuable option,” she said.
Dr Liz Fletcher, director of business engagement at IBioIC, added that the project is a great example of how biotechnology can add economic value by taking a circular approach to co-products. Dr Alan Mccue, senior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, said that the project is innovative and exciting, and he looks forward to supporting RIPCELL in its next steps.
Overall, this research has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also creating new economic opportunities.
