Arbikie Distillery, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee launch MycoPack, a research project that transforms whisky by-products into sustainable packaging.
Arbikie Distillery is working with Dr Dongyang Sun from Edinburgh Napier University and Dr Wenbin Zhou from the University of Dundee to produce durable, fire-retardant and fully compostable packaging from mycelium - the root network of fungi - and distillation residues such as spent grains. The project is one of eleven projects being funded as part of the Scotland Beyond Net Zero initiative. Over the next ten months, the focus will be on feasibility testing, material testing and design development.
Sustainable innovation with a regional focus
Distillery Manager Kirsty Black explained that sustainability is at the centre of Arbikie's work. Working with the universities provides the opportunity to develop a packaging solution that is environmentally friendly while reflecting the company's values. Dr Zhou highlighted the use of additive manufacturing to transform whisky by-products into locally rooted, elegant packaging. Dr Sun highlighted the opportunity to use mushroom composites and circular design to transform whisky by-products into functional, aesthetic and low-CO₂ protective packaging.
Part of a larger Net Zero programme
Scotland Beyond Net Zero is an association of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scottish universities. In addition to MycoPack, projects for the integration of photovoltaics in historic buildings and for combating energy poverty in rural regions are also supported. The initiative is currently supporting a total of 19 innovation projects with around £300,000. Professor Nick Forsyth, Chairman of the funding committee, emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in order to achieve Scotland's climate targets.
Source: University of Dundee
