Air Company creates the initial sustainable drink produced from CO₂ without leaving any greenhouse gas footprint. Additionally, they offer a fragrance and hand sanitiser that are both made from carbon dioxide. As per the company, this sustainable vodka is the world's purest alcoholic beverage, free from typical impurities and additives.
The creation of traditional vodka involves fermenting grains. Grain grows on many hectares, with commonly used pesticides, much water and fertiliser. After harvest, the grain is fermented and distilled to remove harmful parts.
However, AIR Vodka doesn't use this process, as a special technique avoids impurities without fermentation or distillation. There's no waste created, as no grain is needed. During a blind taste test, the taste was deemed to have a clear and refreshing flavour, with a smooth finish. However, the opinion may vary among individuals.
The vodka is made using only two ingredients, ethanol and water. Renewable energy generated by solar plants is used to separate CO₂ in industrial plants before it is released into the atmosphere. Once liquefied, the gas is stored in tanks.
CO₂ is combined with green hydrogen generated on-site in a reactor system for carbon conversion, resulting in a reactor liquid made up of alcohols, alkanes and water through a chemical reaction. In the subsequent distillation process, ethanol is separated from water and alkanes.
The company utilises renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power plants, and on-site hydrogen electrolysis to power all systems. Additionally, products are packaged and labelled using biodegradable materials, ensuring that they do not pose any environmental issues if not recycled.
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