MiAlgae unveils plans for new Scotland facility to accelerate green biotechnology

SCOTLAND – Scottish biotech firm MiAlgae has submitted plans for a new production facility in Grangemouth, Scotland, signalling a significant milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionise omega-3 sourcing and support the country’s green economic transition.

The proposed site, located in the Central Belt near whisky distilleries and key customers, will allow MiAlgae to expand its unique process of repurposing whisky industry byproducts to grow microalgae. 

This microalgae offers a sustainable, fish-free source of omega-3 fatty acids, a key ingredient in aquaculture and pet food, and an increasingly popular component in meat alternatives, nutraceuticals, and livestock feed.

“Grangemouth has incredible potential for us as we look to the next stage of our growth,” said Douglas Martin, founder and CEO of MiAlgae. 

“This location offers an ideal position to support our scaling efforts and meet the increasing demand for our ‘biotech for good’ solutions, with the creation of green jobs across engineering, production, and research and development. We are confident that this new facility will help build a greener future and bring high-quality, sustainable jobs to the local community.”

Once operational, the first phase of the facility is expected to create more than 100 green jobs, reinforcing MiAlgae’s commitment to both environmental and economic sustainability. 

The company is particularly focused on retraining opportunities for workers transitioning from the oil and gas sector—an initiative aligned with national efforts to future-proof the workforce.

The facility will be modular in design, allowing for incremental expansion as demand increases. Additional sites, both in Scotland and internationally, are already under consideration. 

However, MiAlgae is eager to secure approval for the Grangemouth site swiftly due to its strategic location and alignment with regional sustainability goals.

“The area has a rich industrial history, and we’re proud to contribute to its evolution,” said Martin. “We’re also proud to be involved in Project Willow, which encourages green industries to establish themselves in Grangemouth, contributing to the area’s transformation into a hub for green technologies.

He added that MiAlgae is at precisely the right stage of growth to contribute to the success of Project Willow, having proven at scale that there is market demand for its product in Scotland. 

He explained further that the biotech company is looking forward to working closely with local stakeholders and the Scottish government to make this vision a reality.

MiAlgae has been collaborating with a range of partners throughout the planning process and is optimistic about working alongside the Scottish government to drive the region’s green transition. 

With a proven technology, rising market demand, and a clear growth strategy, the company’s expansion marks a pivotal step in reducing dependence on ocean-derived resources and reinforcing Scotland’s status as a leader in sustainable innovation.

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