A tech start-up aims to cut the beverage industry’s carbon emissions in half by utilizing atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce a vodka-like spirit. This innovative product could potentially hit UK shelves in a mere three years.

Cheers to saving the earth! Alcohol company Aircohol claims to have discovered an eco-friendly method of creating spirits, specifically a vodka-like concoction, solely from the climate-heating gas, carbon dioxide. Coincidentally, Brits who enjoy a tipple might see this product available for purchase in their country in as little as three years.

The company’s founder, Simo Hämäläinen, shared that the early taste trials of the spirit have resulted in tasting notes of “grass, earth, and sweetness” – an unusual but positively received combination.

Despite the unique taste profile, the selling point for Aircohol remains its potential impact on the climate as it has the capacity to substantially decrease the beverage industry’s carbon emissions.

Emission research indicates that annual alcohol production produces the equivalent amount of greenhouse gasses as all of America’s personal cars combined – that’s approximately 276 million vehicles. Simo expressed optimism about Aircohol’s potential, stating, “We could be seeing Aircohol in the UK within the next two or three years. It’s one of our target markets. We also plan to unveil a product within Finland this year.”

Aircohol’s groundbreaking technology is a bioreactor that transforms carbon dioxide into alcohol via a swift, two-day fermentation process that doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases. This alcohol is then distilled, much like vodka, into a potent liquor that can reach up to 60%, making it ready for consumption. Beers can also be created, although they necessitate additional ingredients such as malts.

The company Aircohol, established in 2022, asserts that their procedure reduces carbon emissions and conserves raw resources such as wheat and barley, which are commonly used in alcohol production.

In the previous year, the company formed a collaboration with Brukett, a brewery based in Finland, which manufactures beverages such as Magners cider. Aircohol, which employs six people, recently secured an investment of €2.4m (£2m), and is reportedly in discussion with top alcohol companies globally.

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