Powered by Ecotricity Business: Atlantic Brewery and Distillery – Brewing a Better Future

That pioneering approach meant Atlantic was one of the first breweries in the UK to make its beers vegetarian and later vegan, long before plant-based brewing was in fashion. “We refused to use fish-based finings in the brewing process,” Stuart says. “We relied on gravity and time instead. It made things harder, but it was the right thing to do.”

That commitment to integrity over convenience remains a hallmark of Atlantic’s operations today. Every ingredient is organic, and much of it is grown on the company’s own farm. “We grow the hops, the rosemary, the thyme, the wormwood; everything that can go into our beers and gins,” Stuart adds proudly. “People love that it’s literally a farm-to-glass story.”

The brewery runs entirely on electricity, so choosing a supplier that generates clean, renewable power was essential. When Atlantic moved from its original farm location to a larger production site in Indian Queens, switching the new premises to Ecotricity was one of the first tasks on the list.

One of the most distinctive parts of Atlantic’s energy story is its solar tracking array, installed on the farm over 15 years ago. “It follows the sun from dawn to dusk,” Stuart explains. “It’s a simple, efficient system that maximises the power we can generate.”

The solar panels don’t just power the farm; they also feed clean energy back into the grid through Ecotricity. “It’s a lovely circular arrangement,” says Stuart. “We sell our surplus electricity to Ecotricity, then buy back green power from them for our operations. It’s the perfect example of how local generation and national supply can work hand-in-hand.”

Breweries and distilleries are energy-intensive by nature. Heating, cooling, and processing all require substantial electricity. That’s why using 100% renewable energy is crucial. “The brewery in particular is a high energy user,” says Stuart. “So it’s very important to us that the energy we use is clean and sustainable.”

“Hospitality is a very high-demand industry when it comes to power,” explains Ben, the Chef Patron for Counter Culture. “We have no gas here; everything is electric. So having a consistent, reliable, and sustainable energy supply through Ecotricity is essential.”

“When we opened Counter Culture, it was a no-brainer to stay with Ecotricity. It’s a relationship built on shared principles,” Stuart adds.

Indeed, this approach at the restaurant has seen it be shortlisted for Sustainable Business of the Year at The Staff Canteen.

Customers have noticed, too. “Our customer base — both at the brewery and at the restaurant — are very pleased to know that all our energy comes from green sources,” Stuart says. “It’s something people care about more and more.”

Beyond energy, Atlantic is constantly innovating to reduce its footprint. The company uses 100% recycled glass bottles, composts spent grains, and avoids unnecessary packaging. Even the bottle seals are made from PLA, a plant-based, compostable alternative to plastic.

Looking ahead, Atlantic plans to go further. “We’re exploring carbon capture systems to reuse the CO₂ from brewing,” Stuart reveals. “And we’re working with partners developing Stirling engine technology that could help us generate electricity from the heat we already produce in the brewing process.”

The company is also investigating greener transport options. “A green distribution network is definitely one of our short-term goals,” Stuart adds. “Cornwall is a big county, and delivering beer and spirits sustainably is a challenge, but we’re getting there.”

That philosophy has earned Atlantic a loyal following and a reputation as one of the UK’s most sustainable drinks producers. But for the team, the motivation remains personal. “Sustainability isn’t a marketing word for us; it’s a way of life,” Stuart says simply. “From the power we use to the products we make, we want every decision to have a positive impact. Working with Ecotricity helps make that possible.”

As Atlantic continues to grow — organically, of course — its commitment to planet-friendly progress remains unwavering. Whether on a plate, or in a pint or cocktail glass, the taste of sustainability has never been so refreshing.