Meridian Biotech, an industrial biotechnology company based in Lexington, Kentucky, has announced a new partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery. The partnership will aim to "improve global food system security" by converting byproducts from the distillery into "multifunctional alternative proteins". 

Under the project, Meridian will invest US$40 million for the construction of a new conversion facility in Franklin County, creating up to 35 local jobs.

At the facility, Meridian will use "novel technology" to convert Buffalo Trace's stillage — the natural byproduct of distillation, which will be piped directly to the facility from the distillery — into multifunctional alternative proteins. Meridian said these could be used in industries such as aquaculture, pet foods, and for organic fertiliser. 

Brandon Corace, president of Meridian Biotech, commented: "By reimagining distillery stillage as a resource rather than a byproduct, we’re pioneering new pathways in biotechnology that have the potential to transform the spirits industry.

"Like Buffalo Trace, we are committed to making a long-term, positive economic impact on the community. We believe our technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing Buffalo Trace’s commitment to innovation, as well as setting a new standard for the spirits industry."

Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace, added: "As master distiller, I have studied the distilling process and always respected the full journey from grain to glass. Working with Meridian allows us to take our processes even further by transforming stillage into something with extended value and purpose. This partnership is a natural extension of our craft, and we are thrilled by what’s possible with Meridian’s technology."

Govenor of Kentucky Andy Beshear said: "This investment not only brings high-quality jobs and strengthens our economic future, but it also opens exciting new pathways for sustainability within Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry."

What to do with the byproducts of spirit making is a concern gaining increasing attention in the whisky industry worldwide. In Scotland, Lowland distillery Eden Mill has partnered with Scottish biotech company MiAlgae to repurpose its whisky effluent to grow microalgae, which MiAlgae says is a sustainable source of Omega-3s. Elsewhere, the new Furaliss Distillery in Japan, which is scheduled to open in 2028, will partner with local organisations to repurpose byproducts. 

Innovation is also happening in the treatment of wastewater: scientists at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University found last year that wastewater could be used to be generate green hydrogen, while in England, the Cotswolds Distillery created an on-site wetlands ecological treatment system to naturally treat three quarters of its wastewater. 

Construction is expected to begin on Meridian's new Franklin County conversion facility later this year.