A tech start-up aspires to decrease the beverages industry’s carbon emissions by half by employing atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce a vodka-like liquor that might hit UK shelves in the next three years.

Salute! A liquor company claims to have discovered an environmentally friendly method of enjoying a drink while also aiding the planet. Aircohol, a tech start-up, is developing vodka-esque spirits using solely the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. They project it could be available for purchase in the UK in as little as three years for those who enjoy a drink.

The founder, Simo Hämäläinen, shares that early tasting sessions hinted at flavors of “grass, earth, and sweetness,” which he assures is uncommon but pleasant.

However, Aircohol’s biggest selling point is its potential to significantly reduce the beverage industry’s carbon emissions.

Studies have compared alcohol production’s yearly greenhouse gas emissions to the combined emissions of every car in the United States—roughly 276 million. “Aircohol could potentially arrive in the UK market within two or three years. It’s in our sights,” said Simo. “Our goal in Finland is to bring a product to market this year.”

Aircohol’s distinguishing element is a bioreactor, which rapidly converts carbon dioxide into alcohol via a two-day fermentation process, producing zero greenhouse gases. The resulting alcohol is distilled, similar to the process used for vodka production, resulting in a robust spirit of up to 60% strength, ready for consumption. It’s possible to produce beers as well, but this would necessitate the addition of extra ingredients, such as malts.

Established in 2022, Aircohol asserts that its procedure not only reduces carbon emissions, but also conserves vital resources such as wheat and barley, which are typically utilized in the production of alcohol.

In the previous year, the company embarked on a collaboration with Brukett, a Finland-based brewery known for producing beverages like Magners cider. Aircohol, currently employing six people, recently amassed €2.4m (£2m) in funding and reports it is in discussion with prominent alcohol corporations worldwide.

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