University researchers and distillery collaborate to support Scotland’s drive to net zero

Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Dundee and Arbikie Distillery are collaborating on a project to turn whisky-production leftovers into compostable packaging.

The project, MycoPack, is one of 11 collaborative projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a collaboration between Scotland’s universities to support Scotland’s drive to net zero.

Arbikie Distillery has partnered with Dr Dongyang Sun, at Edinburgh Napier University and Dr. Wenbin Zhou, from the University of Dundee, to use mycelium, the root structure of fungi, along with distillery by-products such as spent grain, to create durable, lightweight packaging. The material created is impact-resistant, fire-retardant and fully compostable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Over the next 10 months the project team will focus on proof of concept, testing the material and the design.

Kirsty Black, Arbikie distillery manager and master distiller said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier and Dundee universities on MycoPack represents an exciting step forward – combining innovation and purpose to create packaging that’s not only environmentally responsible but deeply aligned with our values.

“Together, we hope to pioneer solutions that respect the planet and inspire change across the industry.”

www.scotland-beyond-net-zero.ac.uk

Photography: Scotland Beyond Net Zero, of Kirsty Black, distillery manager and master distiller and Christian Perez, production manager, Arbikie Distillery