Process safety
COMAH Report -Whisky Distillery
Preconstruction Safety Report for Whisky Maturation Site
Distilling
The distilling industry is one of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic and economically significant sectors, blending heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. From world-renowned whisky producers to emerging craft gin brands, distilleries are evolving to meet growing global demand, sustainability expectations, and modern production challenges.
As the sector expands, so too does the complexity of delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible distillery infrastructure. Whether launching a new facility or upgrading an existing one, distillers must navigate a unique mix of technical, regulatory, and operational requirements, from fermentation and distillation design to energy optimisation and emissions control.
At Arthian, we are proud to be recognised as a leading consultancy for the distilling sector. Our team of process engineers, environmental consultants, and safety specialists has supported some of the UK and Ireland’s most respected spirit producers. We understand the science, the regulation, and the culture of distilling, and we know how to deliver projects that perform.
How Arthian Can Help
We offer a full suite of consultancy services tailored to the distilling sector, including:
- Distillery Process Design: designing fermentation, distillation, and maturation systems to meet production goals, and regulatory standards.
- Utility & Infrastructure Engineering: designing steam, cooling, water, and waste systems to support efficient and reliable operations.
- Sustainability & Energy Efficiency: integrating heat recovery, water reuse, and carbon reduction strategies to support net-zero ambitions.
- Civil & Structural Design: providing technical support to a range of activity, including Plant Design, Containment Design, Change Management, Tankage Infrastructure Support, geotechnical and temporary works
- Planning & Environmental Permitting: managing planning applications and environmental permits for new builds, expansions, and upgrades.
- Construction & Commissioning Support: providing technical oversight during installation, commissioning, and operational readiness.
- Regulatory Compliance & Safety: supporting compliance with food-grade standards, ATEX/DSEAR, and environmental regulations.
Arthian and the Distilling Project Lifecycle
Distillery projects are complex, multidisciplinary undertakings that require deep sector knowledge and technical precision. Arthian supports clients across the full lifecycle—from concept to commissioning and beyond.
Feasibility & Concept Design
We help clients assess the viability of new distillery projects through:
- Site selection and utility availability studies
- Concept layouts and process flow diagrams (PFDs)
- Capital and operational cost estimates
- Sustainability and regulatory risk assessments
Our feasibility studies provide a clear, evidence-based foundation for investment and design.
Consenting
Our planners, process safety specialists and environmental consultants manage the full consenting process, including:
- Pre construction/operational safety reports and COMAH notification
- Planning applications, Hazardous Substance Consent and stakeholder engagement
- Environmental permit applications
- Coordination with regulatory bodies
We ensure your project is consented efficiently and with minimal risk.
Process & Utility Design
Our process engineers design bespoke systems for:
- Fermentation vessels and yeast management
- Pot stills, column stills, and condensers
- Spirit safe and product handling
- Steam generation, cooling systems, and water & wastewater treatment
We ensure your process is efficient, scalable, and aligned with your brand’s quality and character.
Planning & Permitting
Our planning and environmental teams manage:
- Planning applications and stakeholder engagement
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
- Environmental permits for emissions, water use, and waste
- Coordination with local authorities and statutory consultees
We help secure the consents you need to build and operate with confidence.
Sustainability & Energy Strategy
We support distillers in reducing their environmental footprint through:
- Heat recovery and integration
- Water reuse and wastewater treatment
- Boiler and CHP system optimisation
- Carbon footprint analysis and net-zero roadmaps
Our solutions support both compliance and brand sustainability goals.
Construction & Operational Readiness
During construction and commissioning, we provide:
- Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
- Site audits and compliance monitoring
- Operator training and SOP development
- Start-up troubleshooting and process tuning
We help ensure your distillery is safe, compliant, and ready to produce.
Why choose Arthian?
Distillery Design Specialists
We’ve delivered process engineering for some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic spirit producers.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our team includes planners, engineers, environmental scientists, and sustainability consultants.
Sustainability Focused
We design for energy efficiency, water conservation, and emissions reduction from day one.
Regulatory Insight
We stay ahead of evolving planning policy, grid codes, and environmental regulation.
Client-Focused
We tailor our support to your site, your process, and your commercial goals.
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.