Brewing Sustainably 2024

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL BREWING INDUSTRY

BREWERS

J O U R N A L

SUPPLEMENT SPRING 2024

BREWING SUSTAINABLY Affecting positive change in beer 03 | COMMENT: WHY THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW

12 | PACKAGING: THE GREENER OPTIONS

30 | PRODUCTION: ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES

Same again, please.

Ludlow Brewing Co. commissioned their first solar PV system in 2021. A year later they doubled the size of it. And then they doubled it again.

At CleanEarth we’ve been working with them since their first foray into solar generation, and have brought their installed capacity up to 120 kW. They are now generating their own clean electricity at less than 4p per kWh. That’s a small fraction of what they were paying for power from the grid.

With cost savings like that – and with more than 20 tonnes of carbon kept out of the atmosphere every year – it’s no surprise they keep coming back for more.

FREE site survey Call Ed Lennon on 01208 895576 cleanearthenergy.com

“Solar power is the cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. CleanEarth have been instrumental in future-proofing the brewery’s energy infrastructure, to help us create long-term operational efficiency and reduce emissions and costs.”

Gary Walters Managing Director, Ludlow Brewing Co.

Here are some of the other breweries we’ve worked with: • Goodh Brewing Co.

• Keltek Brewery

• Left Handed Giant

• Verdant Brewing Co.

• Moor Beer Co.

• Wiper & True

IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE

T

here is no doubt that we

just greenhouse gas emissions.

are living through a period

In 1987 the United Nations Brundtland

of unparalleled climate

Commission defined sustainability as

change. To quote the Sec-

“meeting the needs of the present with-

retary General of the United

out compromising the ability of future

Nations, Antonio Guterres, “the era of

generations to meet their own needs”.

global warming has ended; the era of

Despite having many meetings, setting

global boiling has arrived”.

many targets, and giving many promises we are as far away from that aspiration as

Last year, 2023, was the warmest year

ever. It is about our children and grand-

on record with an average temperature

children enjoying a similar quality of life

increase of 1.35C above pre-industri-

as ourselves.

al times. For consecutive months the increase in temperature reached 1.5C,

We accumulate money to be able to

which is the maximum limit set at COP21

leave our children an inheritance, but we

in Paris in 2015.

have not invested in the changes needed for a sustainable future.

LEADER

There is a clear link between climate

brewersjournal.info

change and the concentration of carbon

Our brewing industry is in a unique posi-

dioxide in the atmosphere, insulating the

tion to showcase how industries can work

Earth and preventing heat escaping.

together towards our climate change

For centuries emissions were balanced

goals.

by the natural carbon cycle where car-

Unlike most industries, brewing sources

bon dioxide is taken up by plants on land

most of its ingredients: water, energy

and algae in oceans to maintain a stable

(electricity and gas), as well as malted

atmospheric CO2 concentration of under

barley, locally and most of its packaging

300 mg per litre of air.

materials are recycled.

After 1900, industrialisation, burning fossil

It allows for close co-operation with

fuels, (coal, gas, and oil) released bound

growers and suppliers, minimising the

carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

length of the supply chain. Most craft

overwhelming natural cycles, resulting

beers are supplied to the domestic

in higher concentrations of greenhouse

market either through pubs or supermar-

gases which has risen to 424 mg per litre

kets and off licences making it easier to

of air last year.

influence the supply chain and making

CO2 remains in the atmosphere for

logistic and environmental savings.

between 300 to 1000 years and if we are to continue to enjoy our current quality of

Using regenerative farming techniques

life, then all individuals and stakeholders

minimises the need for artificial fertilisers

in industry and Government must work

and pesticides reducing carbon emis-

together to reduce carbon emissions

sions as well as benefits to biodiversity,

immediately.

cutting pollution of water sources and providing improved soil conditions.

However, the impact of human activity on

Regenerative farming practices use

the environment goes much deeper than

livestock and cover crops to improve

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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3

soil organic content. Organic farming

as possible and make it easy to return

is similar with a focus on using natural

and reuse. We can source and deliver

methods across the whole farm, not just

locally to minimise transport, and we can

for soil health, with benefits to biodiver-

deliver beer in bulk reusable containers

sity encouraging natural insect predators

and support the on-trade as the pre-

in place of pesticides and reducing fertil-

ferred location for social drinking.

isers polluting water sources.

Let’s make improving the environment cool. We can make the brewery and

The actual brewing process itself has a

taproom welcoming, by sharing your

relatively small carbon footprint mainly

achievements. We can encourage good

associated with energy requirements

environmental practices from your cus-

(scope 1 and 2).

tomers, make it a green space (pot plants

Scope 1 includes gas which can be

will help!) provide incentives to custom-

replace by biomass, hydrogen or other

ers who arrive by walking or bike rather

low carbon fuel sources and Scope 2

than cars and provide EV charges on site.

is principally electricity which can be

Lead by example showing how the com-

supplied from green energy sources and

pany is committed to a better tomorrow.

on-site generation through wind turbines or solar panels. The recent energy price

We should hold authorities’ feet to the

increases principally due to the Ukraine

fire and ensure they deliver on their

war have made projects which might

legal obligations and their promises. For

have had paybacks over several years

example, the average volume of waste

cost effective in under a year.

from households which is collected for recycling and was recycled by all English

Packaging, particularly for craft brewers

councils was 44.1% in 2021 (ref gov.uk).

is another opportunity for businesses to

As brewers we must avoid “green wash-

save resources and money. For many a

ing”; making unsubstantiated or unveri-

significant proportion of sales is through a

fied claims destroys the credibility of any

brewery tap room which uses returnable

declared benefits. Let’s avoid “outsourc-

packaging requiring no delivery. Most

ing” this is just kicking the can down the

other sales are in keg and cask which

road. Invest money in green projects for

are fully recycled, and Councils provide

the brewery or in the supply chain.

facilities for recycling empty small pack containers.

Planting trees is great and will improve the environment and capture carbon

Brewing enjoys a close relationship with

but should not be an excuse to put off

its customers through brewery visits,

making other investments to reduce

brewery tap rooms and selling “greener”

emissions. Breweries can also benefit

draught beers through pubs, allowing

from carbon capture which removes CO2

it to promote its good environmental

from the atmosphere. Many systems are

practices to the consumers. The brewing

complex and involve storing carbon as

industry is well positioned to reduce its

carbonates in deep in the earth.

greenhouse gas emissions to achieve sustainable net zero and improve the

However, simple carbon capture is prac-

environment through a few important

ticed by Khmer Beverage, a brewery in

changes.

Cambodia, which bubbles boiler exhaust fumes through a tank of spent caustic

Here are some ways we can action this….

trapping the CO2 and neutralising the

We can source brewing materials from

alkalinity, a good example of win-win.

farms that use regenerative practices, we

Being “environment-ale” does not have

can use on-site or commercial green en-

to be difficult and should be self-fund-

ergy supplies, we can make the process

ing. Looking after the environment has

as efficient as possible and reduce waste

benefit for the employees, is better for

and water usage, we can recycle and

the profits and will receive endorsements

repurpose as much as possible in the

from the customers.

brewery. When it comes to recycling, we can use recyclable packaging as much

4

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

Tim O’Rourke

BREWERS JOURNAL

KeyKeg and Unikeg: the most sustainable PET Kegs

to supply customers with a range of Kegs to suit their needs be it

our active collection community of 10 partners in the UK supporting us

exporting their beverages, reducing the losses and costs of stainless steel

with increasing our percentages year in year out and we see our mission

kegs during the export and return process or supporting their current

of 2005 active when customers talk to us about the Keg they filled in

stainless steel fleet over peak times.

Manchester and exported to all over Europe/World, the returned to us via our collection network to be recycled into new Kegs.

50% circular material in each new KeyKeg

KeyKeg is proven to be more environmentally friendly than steel kegs, especially when travelling longer distances. It is only logical that eliminating return transport, polluting chemical

KeyKeg and UniKeg are both designed to be circular. They both have less weight than other packaging formats and use less water in the filling process. Each keg used can reduce the Co2 emissions in certain delivery distances and the returns process along with maximising the volume of Kegs that can be shipped per pallet due to the lightweight materials and stackable designs.

washes, and allowing 25% more product per transport will be more green. KeyKegs are 100% recyclable when empty and comply with the strictest environmental regulations worldwide.

Visit our webpage

keykeg.com/ recycling to gather more information about our sustainable circular Kegs

www.keykeg.com

eu se

cl e

and in 2023, we reached a total of 50% RPET in every Keg. We see

Re ce

Circularity is always our main focus

we are the market leader in PET Kegs worldwide, it is our mission

lr ia ter Ma

At OneCircle our message is clear,

eg yK

du

Ke

Helping breweries open up global export

Re

cy

ADVANTAGES OF A KEG • Less waste; drafting a Keg until the last drop with the bag in Keg system.

• Transport; No need to transport empty Kegs back to the brewery.

Especially on long distance, this will save a major impact on the CO₂ emissions.

• Carbon footprint; save CO₂ emissions when exporting your beer >1200 km by using KeyKeg instead of steel kegs.

• Recyclable; 86% usage of mono materials. All materials.

SUSTAINABLE BREWING

CONTENTS

Carbon Calculator The lowdown on a new carbon footprint calculator has been created to help small craft brewers identify the scale of their carbon emissions.

09

Glass Packaging The argument for why glass should be the number one packaging choice for breweries.

12

Supply Chain Why making more informed decisions throughout the product lifecycle and supply chain can help reduce our sector carbon footprint.

19

Brewhouse Technology How brewhouse manufacturers are helping customers improve efficiencies and cut wastage.

28

Nitrogen Generation Why nitrogen generation could be the right choice for your brewery.

38

Advanced Hop Extracts Why liquid hop products align with the global call for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future in brewing.

40

26 Solar Power

While many breweries are discovering the benefits of solar power, a few early adopters are already doubling down on their investment.

31 Recycling Waste

Running a business that prioritises both the environment and local communities is no mean feat.

However, it’s a challenge that Wells & Co. tackled head-on.

42

Analysis Technology

Technology is far from being able to solve all of our problems, but it can help with some, explains Marian Elisa Reed from Foss.

SSV are actively looking to reduce our carbon footprint...

To help kick-start our commitment to greener brewing, we’re proud to introduce our revolutionary CO2 RECOVERY UNITS

CARBON CALCULATOR

CARBON CALCULATOR AIMS TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY

A CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATOR HAS BEEN CREATED TO HELP SMALL CRAFT BREWERS IDENTIFY THE SCALE OF THEIR CARBON EMISSIONS. HERE’S HOW YOUR BREWERY CAN BENEFIT FROM IT.

A

new carbon footprint

develop best practice when it comes

calculator has been

to sustainability and in cutting carbon

created designed to help

emissions.

craft brewers identify

Data published by Statista in December

the scale of their carbon

showed that there were 1,902

emissions. Developed by a research

independent breweries in the UK in 2021,

team led by the University of Leeds, the

an increase of 86 over the 2020 figure.

freely available calculator - which can

The research paper accompanying the

be downloaded as an Excel document

carbon calculator - “Development of an

from the figshare website - will enable

open-source carbon footprint calculator

breweries to see how sustainable their

of the UK craft brewing value chain” - has

operations are.

been published in the Journal of Cleaner

There is a wide variation in the carbon

Production.

emissions produced by craft brewers, with packaging playing a key role.

SIMPLIFY CALCULATIONS

Beer distributed in 20 litre steel kegs has a carbon footprint seven times smaller

For small brewers, sourcing the key facts

than that distributed in 330 ml glass

and figures needed to calculate their

bottles - 205 versus 1,483 grams of CO2

carbon footprint is both expensive and

equivalent per litre of beer.

technically challenging, and can require the use of proprietary software.

brewersjournal.info

With independent brewers, which

Alexander Bowler, a researcher in the

includes the craft beer industry, showing

School of Food Science and Nutrition at

signs of bouncing back after lockdown,

Leeds in collaboration with researchers

the researchers are keen to help these

at the universities of Nottingham and

small to medium size enterprises

Sheffield has created an open-source

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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9

CARBON CALCULATOR paper, said: “Whilst there are companies offering their own carbon calculators and consultancy to the industry, the beauty of this tool is that it is hands on for the brewers themselves and will be accurate enough to point them towards the main areas they need to focus on in the journey towards net zero.

“Helping brewers stay at the centre of key decisions impacting their carbon footprint will drive improved competitiveness and performance by raising awareness across the sector.”

SMART SENSORS Professor Nik Watson, also from the School of Nutrition and Science at Leeds who oversaw the research, said once small breweries have a picture of their The new calculator help brewers identify carbon emissions Image credits: Victor de Jesus

carbon emissions, they can then look at ways of reducing them, and that will have wider sustainability benefits.

His team is working with the Piglove brewery to identify how low-cost sensors can be used to measure the efficiency of parts of the production process such

calculator which will guide brewery

emissions with a breakdown for different

as water use, energy consumption and

managers through the process, simply

stages of the value chain.

minimising waste.

They are also using a probe based on the

and at no cost.

Baseline data “hard-wired” into the

IMPROVING ACCURACY

principle of a tuning fork to measure the resonance and hence the density of wort

calculator will enable brewery managers to estimate carbon emissions across

Marcos Ramirez runs the Piglove Brewing

in the fermentation vessels – to judge

the entire production process, from

Company in Leeds with two colleagues

whether the beer is ready to package.

growing and sourcing raw ingredients

which produces 12,000 litres - just over

The sensor is part of a cloud-based

to producing and transporting the beer,

21,000 pints - of beer a month. He says

technology developed by a company

with account taken of the way the beer is

the calculator will improve the accuracy

called Plaato that sends data to a mobile

packaged, which can have a big effect on

of the estimates of his brewery’s carbon

phone.

carbon emissions.

emissions.

“As a business we have a responsibility

Professor Watson added: “These are

Dr Bowler said: “When a small brewery

to society to reduce our carbon footprint,

small businesses, and they cannot

is doing its carbon reporting, one of the

but we operate in a niche market and

afford the high-end sensors that the

challenges is finding a lot of the numbers

finding the baseline data to calculate

large breweries use. But there are other,

you need to use.

carbon emissions is challenging,” he said.

smaller smart instruments that can be

“For example, transport emissions or

“There are a lot of tools that can be

harnessed.

emissions associated with energy usage

applied more generally but nothing to

“By working with breweries, we can show

are quite easy to source, but there are

help with very specialised industries like

that sensors can provide real data and

lots of other data to do with materials

brewing, where often the baseline data

that can help them with decisions about

such hops and barley that are harder to

we have had to rely on comes from the

changes to production processes or raw

find.

US - and that introduces inaccuracies

materials to reduce carbon emissions

“You need these numbers and specialist

into our calculations.

and improve sustainability.

conversion factors, and we have got

“So, this new calculator will be a major

“This real data will show how various

them all in the carbon footprint calculator

improvement.”

interventions are working. Many people involved in the craft brewing industries

from reference sources.”

Brewery staff input their production data

Professor David Cook, Professor of

are natural innovators and they want

into the calculator and the calculator

Brewing Science at the University

to make their operations as green as

produces a figure for overall carbon

of Nottingham and co-author of the

possible.”

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

KEGS, CASKS AND DRINKS EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS We work with brewers and distillers of all sizes to provide keg and cask rentals, container maintenance services and equipment finance solutions.

To find out more call 01425 485421 or visit closebreweryrentals.co.uk

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

A CLEAR ADVANTAGE

IN THE WORLD OF BEER PACKAGING, THE CHOICE BETWEEN GLASS AND CANS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE PERCEIVED QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT. HERE DAWN PUGH, SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR AT BEATSON CLARK, BELIEVES THAT GLASS SHOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE PACKAGING CHOICE FOR BREWERIES.

A

s well as increasing

The company is seeking to increase

sustainability, there are a

these levels even further but the

number of other benefits

availability of good quality cullet (waste

that come with switching to

glass that is ready for recycling) in the UK

glass packaging, including

restricts the amount it can use.

increased protection from harmful UV rays and giving a higher-quality feel to

British Glass is campaigning to keep

your products.

as much recycled glass in the UK as

Thanks to 270 years of experience in

possible. Currently 335,000 tonnes

the glass packaging industry, we are a

of glass are exported from the UK to

popular choice for many breweries beer

mainland Europe annually.

brands such as BrewDog, Robinsons and

This needs to stop or at least be reduced

Greene King.

for the UK to be able to move towards a

We offers standard beer bottles,

closed-loop glass economy.

customised bottles and completely

The government recently announced

bespoke designs. This flexible approach

a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), a new

allows the company to cater to a

cash incentive system to boost recycling

wide range of breweries, from smaller

from 2025.

craft brands wanting standard bottles

Glass is not included in this scheme in

available from stock to larger companies

Scotland or in the proposed scheme for

looking for fully bespoke bottles from

England, as there is already an excellent

500,000 units.

system in place for recycling glass and

The sustainability factor sets glass apart

turning it into new jars and bottles. This

from other packaging materials. Glass

will come as a relief to brewers using

is 100% recyclable and can be melted

glass to package their beer.

down repeatedly to create new bottles without any loss of quality or integrity.

Many industry experts believe that including glass in the DRS would have

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

We currently use an average of 56%

a negative impact on the collection rate

post-consumer recycled material for its

of glass in the UK, which is already at an

amber glass containers and 36% for white

impressive 74.2%. British Glass, supported

flint. In addition, any industrial waste glass

by companies like Beatson Clark, have

from the manufacturing process is also

set out their ambition to increase this to

recycled back into the furnace, so there

achieve a 90% collection rate by 2030.

is zero waste and even fewer materials

We contribute to the level of glass

used.

cullet in its packaging through its on-

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING site recycling plant, which processes

standard bottles, perfect for ordering in

“The energy used to power our facilities

approximately 42,000 tonnes of glass

smaller volumes, as well as more tailored

are from 100% renewable sources and

packaging each year.

services including bespoke bottle design,

100% of our site waste is recycled.

Glass containers are recovered from

labelling and crowns. Glass production

By choosing our glass bottles you

kerbside collections, bottle banks

itself contributes to sustainable practices,

can be assured that you’re working

and the hospitality trade and are then

using three abundant and natural

with a manufacturer that champions

processed and melted in the furnaces to

elements: sand, soda ash, and limestone.

sustainability throughout the whole

make into new bottles and jars, all on the

Glass is the only mainstream packaging

process.”

same site in South Yorkshire.

that does not require an additional

Using recycled materials in glass

liner to protect the contents. As the

We strongly support the huge advances

production helps to reduce energy,

single-layered material is inert it will not

the glass industry is taking in new

which is an important consideration when

contaminate the product within, so is

technology to reduce the fossil fuels

it comes to sustainable production.

completely safe for use with food and

used in the manufacturing process.

beverages.

Projects such as The European Container

Our dark amber glass bottles are perfect

Although glass is not typically seen

Glass Federation’s (FEVE) Furnace of the

for beers, ales and ciders as not only

as ‘excess packaging’ there is still the

Future, which is powered by renewable

are they sustainable, but they also offer

potential to reduce its weight further. This,

electricity, will transform the industry in

over 90% protection from harmful UV

combined with an increased recycling

terms of sustainability, radically cutting

rays, ensuring a longer shelf life. High

rate, will have a significant beneficial

CO2 emissions, a fundamental step

levels of vacuum and carbonisation

effect on energy and CO2 reduction. We

towards climate-neutral glass packaging.

can be maintained over a long period

are constantly looking at opportunities to

Our commitment to sustainability,

of time in amber glass, unaffected by

lightweight its designs and has several

coupled with the inherent advantages

temperature or light. Our standard amber

lightweight products within its general

of glass packaging, offers breweries

beer bottles are very popular, and for

sale range. We believe that we have a

an opportunity to align their brand with

a small extra cost we can customise

duty to ensure that all of our activities are

eco-friendly practices while providing

these to reflect the brewery’s branding.

responsible to our environment and our

consumers with a high-quality drinking

We offer embossing options on our

community.

experience.

D

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• Want short production runs at your convenience?

• Want to reduce product losses at contract packers?

• Want to save transport costs and double handling?

• Want to reduce your carbon footprint?

• Want to control your own hygiene and QA procedures?

• Want improve your packaging?

• Want to save money on labour costs?

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brewersjournal.info

✓ 1,300 cans per hour upwards to 80,000 cph ✓ 1,200 bottles per hour upwards to 60,000 bph ✓ 16 kegs per hour upwards to 1,000 kegs per hour

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

LOVE YOUR LABELLING BEING MINDFUL OF THE LABELS YOU USE IN THE PACKAGING YOUR BEER IS AN IMPORTANT WAY FOR BREWERIES CAN TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE THEIR SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS SAYS MARTIN USHER, NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT ECLIPSE LABELS

vehicles etc but not everyone considers

recycling centres near the coast.

label usage to be somewhere they can

The most popular, at the moment, is a

look to reduce carbon.

PP that is made from the by-products of wood and paper pulping meaning, no

With beer temperature as close to

new fossil fuels are used to manufacture

zero degrees as possible and cans,

it. This material can cut your carbon

or bottles at room temperature a lot

footprint on label usage by almost 50%.

of condensation accumulates during

Through our supplier, we can input your

the filling process. It’s a tough test for

current material and how many cans/

adhesives and print alike and, generally

bottles you use annually and give you

paper just won’t do the job, although

a carbon saving figure in KGs and what

there is one exception but not advisable

that equates to in terms your customers

without the most rigorous testing.

could understand.

Certain types of ink can chip when cold and wet, not ideal for a drink that we all

For example, one of our customers

love to drink cold!

saved the equivalent of driving a car 5,300km, the material also used 7% less

Due to these super wet, and cold

water, and 1% less power than it takes to

conditions many label printers need

manufacture a standard PP material.

to apply a laminate to protect print,

Additional to the PP range, we have a

effectively doubling up on the carbon

material that is classified as a paper, not a

he craft brewing industry

footprint for the label! With all these

plastic and made from 80% rock dust.

is, like every manufacturing

challenges, labels are often overlooked.

It has a small amount of PE resin to bond

sector facing sustainability

10 years ago eco label options were

the dust together and is quite a hardy

challenges, driven by

expensive, with huge MOQs and

material and used under quite harsh

customers and retailers

ridiculous lead times…not now, its very

conditions. It prints really well, feels

alike. Everybody needs to be seen to be

achievable!

different and very premium and is a great

doing their bit.

We can supply the most sustainable

story for your brand. We have several

One of the most significant challenges is

options for cans and bottles with a range

customers using it, and fits in really nicely

the carbon footprint of beer production,

of eco materials, printed with durable

into the range of eco offerings.

which contributes to climate change and,

inks that don’t need a laminate and, that

All these materials are available on

to address this issue, some breweries

work on your filling lines.

white or clear (clear not available on the

are taking action to improve their

There are PP materials made from Post

rock dust material, unsurprisingly), print

sustainability credentials.

Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics, the

quality, and performance on application

There are the well-worn traditional routes

stuff that’s collected from your doorstep.

is as good as the standard material. If you

to reduce your footprint, like power

There’s even an Ocean friendly PP,

would like to find out more see details at

consumption, water usage, electric

made from PCR plastics collected from

the bottom.

T 14

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

CHOOSE PLANET FRIENDLY PACKAGING INSTEAD OF SIMPLY LOOKING AT PACKAGING AS A BUSINESS NECESSITY, EXPLORE THE PROFOUND IMPACT THAT PURPOSEFUL AND CREATIVE PACKAGING CAN HAVE ON YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE, RECOGNISING ITS POTENTIAL TO LEAVE A LASTING AND MEANINGFUL IMPRESSION, EXPLAIN SMURFIT KAPPA.

into an environmentally friendly, integral,

PLANET-LOVING PACKAGING

and efficacious part of your customers’ experience of buying from your business.

By using planet friendly packaging materials, your business can align with

It’s no secret that packaging concerns are

changing consumer attitudes and ethical

buzzing among consumers, especially

considerations.

surrounding the environmental impact

It goes hand in hand with the expectation

and waste that packaging can cause.

for green packaging and shows that

For example, the use of plastics is a hot

your business is committed to building a

topic currently, with the UN Environment

greener future and ultimately cares about

Program reporting that 36% of all plastic

customer views, which in turn helps to

produced is for single-use purposes, and

build trust and boost loyalty.

the OECD outlining that despite recycling

Building trust with your customer base

efforts, only 9% of plastic waste has been

through aligning your values is important

recycled globally, with the remaining

as we know that 88% of consumers who

79% going to landfills and the natural

trust a brand will buy again (Deloitte) and

environment, and 12% being incinerated.

UK consumers are reportedly willing to

Many consumers are aware of the impact

spend 44% more on average with retailers

of single-use plastics on the environment

they trust (Retail Insights Network).

which has led to sustainability continuing to steal the show, going beyond a

Packaging designed with the

consumer trend and instead being an

environment in mind makes it possible

expectation of responsible brands.

to not only meet consumer wants and

In fact, a whopping 75% of consumers are

needs, but also actively contributes to

more likely to purchase brands that offer green or sustainable products, and 49%

T

said they would pay more for sustainable

that are placed in harmful packaging

overall perception.

(Cision). However, this isn’t always the

An overwhelming 73% of consumers

case.

would be unlikely to purchase from

Though there are certainly some culprits

a company again after receiving a

in eCommerce with less-than-desirable

damaged item (Packaging News), and 1

delivery boxes, including those that can’t

in 3 consumers would leave a brand they

be recycled, it’s perfectly possible to

love after one bad experience, while 92%

find packaging your customers will rave

would completely abandon a company

about.

after two or three negative interactions

With planet friendly packaging solutions

(PWC).

that are fit-for-purpose and offer

Without adequate product protection,

product protection, it’s possible to help

damaged products are likely to be

your consumers fall back in love with

returned or even discarded before they’re

packaging.

used, resulting in unnecessary waste,

Below, we’ll guide you through the

leaving consumers feeling frustrated and

process of transforming your packaging

disgruntled with your business.

here is a common

packaging and delivery (Deloitte).

misconception that all packaging is wasteful

But that’s not all, instances of damaged

and damaging to the

products also pose a major problem

environment, with 57% of

and can negatively impact a customer’s

consumers less likely to buy products

experience with your brand, altering their

brewersjournal.info

75% of consumers are more likely to purchase brands that offer green or sustainable products, and 49% said they would pay more for sustainable packaging and delivery,” Smurfit Kappa SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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15

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING reducing the environmental impact of

but also effectively contributes to waste

perceptions, and creating a sense of

packaging waste and acting as a growth

reduction and enhances overall customer

attachment.

catalyst for businesses.

satisfaction.

Iconic examples such as Tiffany’s

Take a look at how we worked with

Prioritising the functionality and

blue boxes or Toblerone’s distinctive

Sutherlands of Portsoy to create 100%

aesthetics of packaging allows

pyramid shape are good examples of

recyclable packaging that removed the

businesses to optimise the entire

how powerful packaging can be when

need for Expanded Polystyrene (EPS),

consumer experience, even when

strengthening brand loyalty and making

whilst still providing the best product

handling returns.

brands instantly recognisable.

When designed thoughtfully, packaging

For example, with the incorporation of

becomes a powerful tool for creating

their musical heritage with a vinyl player

From biodegradable plastics to

emotional connections between

featured on their boxes, Dalston’s Soda

recyclable and compostable packaging,

consumers and brands.

were able to establish and reinforce their

embracing these ecological solutions

It enhances the visual appeal of a

brand awareness – take a look here.

highlights your business’ step towards

product and also reinforces the idea that

Emotional connections aren’t just there

building a more eco-conscious and

the product was crafted with love.

for the big players in the market – smaller

responsible packaging industry

Take the ‘Packed By’ stickers that Lush

brands can make just as much impact on

customers will thank you for.

uses, which make customers feel

their customers using these methods.

as though much care and attention

In today’s digital world, packaging is

True fit-for-purpose packaging goes

has gone into packing their order. It’s

not just a functional and protective way

beyond simply looking the part; it must

harder for customers to fall out of love

to manage products; it’s an essential

also be practical and created with

with a brand when they feel a genuine

touch point to engage and connect with

consumers in mind.

connection to your story.

consumers online.

protection and the required insulation qualities here.

When customers are impressed by the

Packaging solutions designed to be accessible - for example, incorporating

The psychological impact of packaging

packaging, they’re more likely to spread

easy-to-open options creates accessible

design is impressive. Colours, shapes,

the word on social media, become

packaging - cater to the diverse needs

and images all stir up emotions, creating

repeat buyers and even advocates for

of consumers, giving everyone a

a unique and memorable experience.

your business.

straightforward unboxing experience.

Using strategic colours and shapes

62% of Gen Z believe increased diversity

makes packaging a key part of the

is good for society and empathy and

product experience, shaping consumer

CUSTOMER RETENTION

accountability are highly regarded by

Packaging is a big part of attracting

this group (Pew Research Centre), with

customers, but it’s an even bigger part of

80% saying it’s important for brands

retaining them.

to embrace diversity and inclusion

Close to 50% of a business’s revenue

(Hooley Brown).

comes from approximately 8% of its most loyal customers, which shows just how

Fit-for-purpose packaging should

important it is to ensure the satisfaction

also facilitate easy product returns

of an existing customer base (LinkedIn).

via eCommerce mailing

Plus, a 5% increase in customer retention

boxes, which helps to

can increase a business’s revenue by

create a seamless and

around 25%, further

enjoyable customer

highlighting just

experience that they are

how much impact

more likely to share on

holding on to

social media.

customers can

And with 82% of people

have on a business

trusting social networks

(LinkedIn).

to guide purchasing decisions, what buyers

Packaging

say about your business

extends the brand

online really matters (Digital

experience beyond

Marketing Institute)

the initial purchase,

Packaging that’s tailored

taking the brand, it’s

to the product’s needs not

ethos and story into

only minimises the chances of damage during shipping

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

customers’ homes.

Consistent and high-

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING quality packaging can reinforce brand

This is especially true with iconic

As you can see, the transformative

values and build trust over time as

packaging designs, like, Pringles tubes

influence of thoughtful, sustainable, and

customers know what to expect and look

and those memorable cereal boxes

emotionally engaging packaging can

forward to from a brand.

from your childhood that evoke fond

truly transform the consumer experience.

memories.

This paradigm shift not only rekindles

This is boosted even further by smart

It was found that 40% of global

their appreciation for packaging but also

packaging, and personalised and

consumers have sought out products

cultivates brand loyalty.

exclusive packaging designs - such as

and flavours that remind them of the past

limited-edition designs, personalised

and simpler times over this past year

Instead of simply looking at packaging

messages, and loyalty rewards - which

(FMCG Guru’s).

as a business necessity, explore the profound impact that purposeful and

make customers feel valued, further This suggests that the value of sentiment

creative packaging can have on your

is on the rise and these packaging

target audience, recognising its potential

In a recent survey, over half of brands

choices are effective because they evoke

to leave a lasting and meaningful

consider smart packaging important for

emotional reactions, such as nostalgia

impression.

educating customers, with 88% planning

or familiarity and make a customer feel

on implementing interactive packaging in

connected to the product, packaging,

future (Packaging News). This suggests

and ultimately, the brand.

encouraging repeat purchases.

that smart packaging is on the rise and may be a great tool to ensure customers

These businesses have used packaging

stay in love with your packaging.

to create a distinct identity and emotional connection with consumers. Why?

Consumers have a strong emotional

Because, when faced with several other

connection to packaging, and it plays a

products on the shelf, consumers can

key part of the product and overall brand

quickly recognise the distinctive shape or

experience.

colours of their favourite brands.

Renegade is one of the UK’s leading contract brew & pack providers. With a state-of-the-art brewery and packaging line, and the ability to brew ale and lager in 60-240hl batches, we could be your perfect partner.

contract services key features salsa Plus Beer accreditation Contract brew & package into bottle, can, cask, keg, mini keg & KeyKeg Cask rack into 9G Firkins or 18G Kilderkins Capacity of 60,000hl/year sterile filtration for product stability Consistency, quality & semi - automation Soil association accredited for packaging of organic products 'The whole process of brewing with Renegade has been top-notch from the very start; we’re able to set up our account, book in brews, chat through recipes and brewing processes & speak to the packaging team all extremely efficiently. The team managed the brewing process extremely professionally on what is without a doubt world-class equipment, giving superb results from the very start.'

We offer a wide range of formats including cask, keg, cans, bottles, 5L mini kegs and KeyKegs. You can choose from reduced plastic shrink-wrap and tray or fridge packs to suit your needs and those of your customers.

For more information please contact us on 01635 767090 or email sales@renegadebrewery.co.uk

scan to view our full brochure

Jack Wilson, GM, Lion Brewery Co

brewersjournal.info

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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17

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

MARKETING SUSTAINABLY COMPLIANCE WITH ESG STANDARDS NOT ONLY SAFEGUARDS THE FUTURE OF THE BREWING BUSINESS BUT ALSO ALIGNS IT WITH THE BROADER GLOBAL MOVEMENT TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS PRACTICES, SAYS ALISON HOBSON, FOUNDER AND MD OF JUST PEEL.

I

n the heart of the UK brewing

They present an opportunity for

Addressing consumer hesitancy is a

industry, where craft beer trends,

breweries to position themselves as

process that involves understanding and

economic challenges, and the

industry leaders in sustainability.

respecting long-established preferences

importance of sustainability

Compliance with these standards

while gently nudging towards sustainable

converge, the choice between

not only safeguards the future of the

alternatives.

recyclable paper pint cups and

brewing business but also aligns it with

The key lies in conveying the advantages

conventional plastic pints has emerged

the broader global movement towards

of recyclable paper pint cups – their

as a focal and challenging decision of

environmentally conscious practices.

biodegradability, compostability,

breweries and pubs across the nation.

Breweries that proactively adopt

UK-based manufacturing, and full

Navigating the complicated landscape

sustainable alternatives, like UK-

brandability.

of the brewing business, the industry

manufactured, recyclable paper pint

Customisable paper cups can be a

finds itself at the crossroads of economic

cups, are not just meeting regulatory

canvas for creative branding, offering

constraints and the pressing need to

requirements; they are setting an

breweries a unique opportunity to

embrace sustainability.

example for the entire industry.

engage consumers in the sustainability conversation while retaining the essence of the pub experience.

The conventional wisdom suggests

Yet, the transition to recyclable paper

that sustainable alternatives, such as

pint cups is not without its challenges,

recyclable paper pint cups, often come

particularly when it comes to consumer

In conclusion, the move towards

with a higher initial cost compared to

perceptions.

sustainability in the UK brewing industry,

their mass-produced plastic counterparts

The familiar sight of transparent plastic

particularly in the choice between

from overseas.

pints has become ingrained in the

recyclable paper pint cups and reusable

However, viewing this cost rise as

cultural fabric of beer consumption.

plastic pints, is not just a response to

a short-term challenge obscures

Adapting to change requires a delicate

regulatory changes; it is a strategic

the broader, long-term benefits that

balance of education and innovation.

decision that shapes the industry’s

sustainable choices bring to both the

This is where the versatility of

destination.

environment and the economy of the

customisable, fully brandable paper

The initial cost considerations pale in

industry.

cups emerges as a strategic tool,

comparison to the long-term benefits for

offering a bridge between tradition and

the environment, the economy, and the

sustainability.

brewery’s reputation.

Governance (ESG) regulations in 2024

Then there is the economic argument

As ESG regulations come into force,

signals a shift.

for sustainability and this is varied.

the brewing industry has a chance to

No longer a mere option, embracing

Beyond the initial cost, breweries need to

redefine its narrative, emerging not only

ESG principles becomes a mandate

consider the long-term gains in customer

as a custodian of beer culture but also as

for the larger breweries operating in

loyalty and brand reputation.

a responsible contributor to a sustainable

the EU, transforming the sustainability

In an era where consumers increasingly

future.

conversation from a desirable aspiration

scrutinise the ethical practices of

So, here’s to brewing sustainably in 2024

to a business imperative.

businesses, aligning with sustainable

and beyond – a toast to a greener, more

For breweries, this translates into more

choices becomes a powerful unique

responsible pint.

than just ticking regulatory boxes; it

selling point (USP).

signifies a commitment to responsible

The recyclable paper pint cup isn’t just

business practices, having to record

a vessel for beer; it becomes a physical

details such as carbon footprint and

expression of the brewery’s commitment

climate impact.

to environmental stewardship and

As the brewing landscape evolves, the arrival of Environmental, Social, and

responsible consumption.

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

ENHANCE DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY WITH IOT

BY MAKING MORE INFORMED DECISIONS THROUGHOUT THE PRODUCT LIFECYCLE AND SUPPLY CHAIN, WE CAN REDUCE OUR SECTOR CARBON FOOTPRINT, CONTRIBUTING TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AND AN EVEN BETTER WORLD OF BEER, ARGUES CHRISTIAN BARDEN, THE CEO OF UK & EUROPE AT KONVOY.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting

By recording location, temperature

Directive (CSRD) will soon be upon us,

and motion data every 10 minutes and

requiring companies to report on the

reporting every 12 hours, brewers and

impact of activities on the environment

fleet operators really can see in real-time

and society, and requires the audit

what needs to be optimised.

(assurance) of reported information.

With more than 130,000 tracking devices All these activities combine to impact the

on our own fleet, Konvoy’s tracking

carbon footprint of a pint. Like calories

device and Cloud based technology

being labelled on menus, it’s possible

has been deployed on more than

cope 3 carbon emissions

that consumers will also want to know

just kegs and casks across brewery

(CO2e) typically account for

the carbon footprint of the pint in their

operations with tracking devices used

~85% of a brewery footprint

hand, which will vary dramatically.

within mobile event equipment, along

and ~70% of a hospitality

With some simple workings using UK

with other up and downstream products

venue footprint.

government published footprint statistics

in consideration from transportation of

The Scope 3 category captures the up

for a keg alone; a 30-litre keg that lasts

yeast, hops, retail roll cages and CO2

and down stream indirect emissions such

30 years and turns 90 times could have

shipments.

as waste, travel, energy, investments,

a CO2e that is 5 times smaller than a keg

leased and owned assets.

having to be replaced after 15 years and

Within the brewing sector, the team

The carbon footprint of a product or

only achieving 60 turns.

are delighted to have begun tracking

service can vary significantly depending

That’s all before considering the impact

journey’s with Brewpoint, Titanic Brewery,

on multiple factors throughout its

of activities such as logistics, waste, and

Salopian Brewing Co., Lost & Grounded,

lifecycle ranging from raw materials,

ullage etc.

Barney’s Beer, Brasserie du Mont

S

Blanc (to name a few) and a steadily

manufacturing processes, transportation, Nothing can be optimised until it can

growing number of high-profile brewers,

be seen, and optimisation isn’t that

suppliers, wholesalers, cold chain

Whilst kegs and casks might look very

sexy until you measure its impact on

operators and retailers.

similar, their carbon footprint might look

your economic, environmental and

very different over their lifespan. Losses,

experiential targets. Konvoy’s edge IoT

By making more informed decisions

damages, idle time, end of life disposal,

(Internet of Things) keg and cask tracking

throughout the product lifecycle and

route to market and collections are just

device (Katch) and Cloud platform

supply chain, we can reduce our sector

a handful of specific items that impact

enables greater efficiency, effectiveness,

carbon footprint, contributing to a more

the CO2e that gets passed between

quality, circularity and sustainability

sustainable future and an even better

breweries, bars and even consumers.

from producer to venue and back again.

world of beer.

use and end of life management.

brewersjournal.info

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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19

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

A TOAST TO ECO MERCHANDISE IN THE EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF THE BREWING INDUSTRY, WHERE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY CONVERGE, THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSCIOUS CHOICES EXTENDS BEYOND THE BREWING PROCESS TO EVERY ASPECT OF THE BRAND, SAYS ZSOLT PETRIK, DIRECTOR AT FIFTH COLUMN.

W

hy does sustainability matter in the brewing world?

Just like a

carefully brewed beer relies on quality ingredients, the merchandise that represents your brand should echo the same dedication to excellence.

Breweries have a unique opportunity to not only share their craft but also to champion eco-friendly practices. From brewery staff uniforms to promotional giveaways, each piece can tell a story of sustainability.

We take pride in crafting not only quality merchandise but also in doing so with a commitment to sustainability. eco-friendly packaging.

As purveyors of screen-printed and

that our clients have access to a

embroidered merchandise, ranging from

spectrum of choices that reflect their

T-shirts and sweats to hoodies, tote bags,

own commitment to environmental

Durable and Timeless Decoration is

caps, and hats, it’s important understand

responsibility.

another. Our focus on quality extends to the durability and timelessness of our

the significance of leaving a positive imprint on both the environment and

When it comes to merchandise, you

prints and stitches, ensuring that your

the communities we serve. Our ethos

can set yourselves apart in a number of

merchandise lasts longer, reducing the

revolves around creating products that

ways. By using eco-friendly materials

need for frequent replacements.

resonate with the values of the breweries

merchandise is crafted from organic

we partner with.

cotton and other sustainable materials,

We believe in more than just providing

reducing the environmental footprint

merchandise; we aim to be partners in

associated with traditional manufacturing.

promoting a sustainable ethos within

At the heart of our offerings is the

the brewing community. Let us help

renowned Stanley/Stella brand – an embodiment of sustainable fashion that

Relying on fair and ethical production:

you amplify your brand’s commitment

aligns seamlessly with the conscientious

We uphold fair labor practices, ensuring

to quality and sustainability through

spirit of the brewing community.

that the individuals crafting your

merchandise that stands the test of time.

We are honored to be recognized as

merchandise are treated with respect

Cheers to a future where every sip and

award-winning dealers of Stanley/

and compensated fairly for their work.

every stitch tells a story of craftsmanship,

Stella, a brand synonymous with

We’ve been an accredited Living Wage

dedication, and a shared commitment to

ethical practices, organic materials,

Employer for many years now.

a sustainable world.

and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

Customization with a Conscience is another point to consider. Beyond just

But our commitment to sustainability

delivering high-quality products, we

goes beyond a single brand. We curate

provide customization options that align

a diverse range of ethical and organic

with your brewery’s commitment to

cotton brands and styles, ensuring

sustainability, from water-based inks to

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

MEETING THE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING CHALLENGE PACKAGING, AS WE ALL KNOW, IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A BEER’S JOURNEY. HERE MARK BANKS OF SEB BREWING & PACKAGING OUTLINES THE STRIDES THEY’RE TAKING TO ENSURE THEY CAN BECOME THE MOST SUSTAINABLE DRINKS PACKAGER IN THE UK

F

ollowing successful

Alongside CO2 capture, SEB is looking at

feasibility trials at GADDS’

other ways to reduce their environmental

Ramsgate Brewery, SEB

impact including a reduction in chemical

Brewing & Packaging is

usage.

pushing ahead with the

Brewery and packaging cleaning cycles

installation of a full CO2 recovery system.

traditionally employ caustic based

The technology is designed to capture

chemicals diluted in very hot water.

the CO2 generated by the brewery

With enough heat, and enough chemical

fermentations, clean, compress and

action, soil (mainly proteins and starches)

liquify it, rendering it fit for use in

is loosened and then removed from

carbonating beers and running the filling

surfaces, leaving them ready for

machines. The results from the feasibility

sanitation.

study show the process to be robust,

The heat and the chemical use is an

producing liquid CO2 of unparalleled

expensive drain on resources, and the

purity, with measured oxygen content of

processes must be carried out with great

below 15 parts per billion (our wholesale

care to avoid personal injury. The used

supplied CO2 is around 30 ppb).

fluid must then be neutralised prior to discharge.

The project fits into a wider initiative to hit net zero on site by 2030 and is expected

However, recent innovations in

to make double digit reductions in

enzyme technology is on the verge of

emissions, giving SEB a kick start in their

revolutionising cleaning in the brewing

journey.

industry, and SEB is positioning itself in

The company’s scope 1 emissions

the vanguard, helping suppliers trial new

are primarily natural gas (used in the

products.

brewery), and CO2 evolved from

Enzymes have the potential to be

fermentation, the latter making up

used multiple times over, at ambient

around a third of the total. SEB’s target is

temperatures, and represent no risk to

to recover 75% of this evolved CO2 by the

personnel, product, or the environment.

end of the year.

Trials so far have shown the technology to be very promising and the aim is to

Stage 3 of the project is the installation

replace all caustic on site with enzymes

of CO2 recovery systems in founder

during Q2.

breweries, utilising existing transport routes to supply SEB with as much gas as

Significant challenges are likely along

it needs to become fully self-sufficient. In

SEB’s journeys towards net zero, but

doing so, 65 tonnes a year of direct CO2

the company is making early (and

emissions will be captured and reused,

serious) headway, building problem

and 90 tonnes will be removed from the

solving skills and momentum by backing

wholesale market.

technological solutions only newly

CO2 capture technology has been used

available to the industry. The direction of

in the brewing industry for over 40 years

travel is set for all of us, and SEB is happy

at breweries producing over 150,000 HL

to take the lead.

a year.

It’s only in the past year that this technology has been scaled down to be fit for use by craft brewers, and SEB (with GADDS’) is the first company in the UK to take the plunge.

brewersjournal.info

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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21

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

PACKAGING FOR THE PLANET IN THE BREWING INDUSTRY, SUSTAINABILITY HAS EVOLVED FROM BEING AN OPTIONAL INGREDIENT TO A VITAL PART OF THE RECIPE. BREWERS AROUND THE WORLD HAVE BEEN FERMENTING SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, AND A KEY AREA WHERE TRANSFORMATION IS BUBBLING UP IS IN THE CHOICE OF PACKAGING, EXPLAIN THE TEAM AT PAKTECH.

E

nvironmentally conscious

turning into landfill waste and kept over

breweries have many goals

135 million pounds of plastic out of our

when it comes to their

landfills and oceans.

packaging demands and

What’s more, the handles themselves are

our unique approach to

designed to be repurposed and recycled.

secondary packaging aligns perfectly

In 2020, we introduced Pak to Pak

with those.

handles that are made from recycled our

With 100% recycled and 100% recyclable

handles, making them third-life products

handles, we present an opportunity for

that embody the closed loop cycle. This

breweries to significantly reduce their

ensures our handles live on, long after

environmental footprint while enhancing

your last sip of beer.

consumer experience with eye-catching

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

designs.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

At the heart of our sustainability ethos

Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t

is the circular economy model. Every

stop at recycling. Our operations are

handle is manufactured from 100%

designed to be as energy-efficient as

recycled High-Density Polyethylene

possible.

(HDPE), sourced from everyday

A whopping 80% of the energy used at

household items like milk jugs and juice

our production facility in Eugene, Oregon,

containers. This significantly reduces

comes from hydroelectric energy, a

greenhouse gas emissions, drastically

renewable form of energy that harnesses

cuts down on energy use, and eliminates

the power of moving water to generate

the need for virgin petroleum compared

electricity. And the lightweight and

to conventional plastic production.

compact design of our handles makes

The handles, used by breweries just like

them easier to transport, reducing carbon

yours, have given over one billion milk

emissions as they make their way to you.

jugs a new lease of life. They’ve also

For breweries keen to enhance their

saved more than 52 acres of land from

sustainability efforts, teaming up with

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING PakTech can be the secret ingredient. By

commitment to sustainability. In North

As brewers, you strive to brew better

choosing our recycled and recyclable

America, we run a recycling program

beers. Let’s also pour our effort into

handles, you’re not just reducing

that works with over 800 businesses to

brewing a sustainable future too.

packaging waste, you’re making a bold

ensure that as many of our handles as

By choosing eco-friendly packaging like

statement about your commitment to

possible are recycled.

our handles, breweries can play a crucial

sustainability.

We are also a founding member of the

role in driving the shift toward a more

US Plastics Pact, pushing for industry-

sustainable and energy-efficient future.

But this commitment to sustainability

wide collaboration to tackle plastic use.

It’s not just about making great beer; it’s

goes beyond our handles. In 2023, we

And to help make your decision even

about doing so in a way that respects our

partnered with BrauKon to bring our

easier, we’ve developed the Pak-

planet.

smart and sustainable solutions to the

Check - a checklist to help you choose

European market.

the right sustainable packaging for

With PakTech, breweries have a

your organisation. This comprehensive

partner that can help you achieve your

Together with the renowned German

checklist guides breweries in making

sustainability goals while continuing to

supplier and manufacturer of brewery

informed decisions about your packaging

deliver exceptional experiences for your

systems, we launched our first

choices.

customers. Let’s cheers to that!

automated applicator in Europe.

The innovative handle applicator,

By adhering to this, you can make sure

known as the CCA 120/180, is tailored

you select packaging that minimises

to meet the unique needs of European

greenhouse gas emissions, promotes

breweries. This high-performance

recycling and reusability, and optimises

machine seamlessly applies our eco-

resource use. With our commitment to

friendly handles to cans, significantly

100% recycled materials, recyclability,

increasing packaging efficiency. The

and energy-efficient operations, our

handle applicator is set to revolutionise

handles meet all these criteria, offering

packaging processes, saving both time

breweries a best-in-class solution for

and resources while maintaining our

sustainable secondary packaging.

brewersjournal.info

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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23

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

SOLAR POWER AT THE DOUBLE

WHILE MANY BREWERIES ARE DISCOVERING THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR POWER FOR THE FIRST TIME, A FEW EARLY ADOPTERS ARE ALREADY DOUBLING DOWN ON THEIR INVESTMENT, EXPLAINS CLEANEARTH’S ED LENNON

this system to four times its original size.

was handily meeting expectations. As

Renewable energy specialists CleanEarth

their brewing output was also growing -

were behind both installations, and

and their energy demands with it - it was

their commercial manager, Ed Lennon,

an easy decision to go larger on the solar

explains why Wiper & True followed up

array.

so decisively on their initial investment.

“It didn’t take long for the benefits to be proven,” says Ed Lennon, “and the

“Compared with the scale of their

extended system has earned its place

brewing operation, the first project

since day one.”

was modest in size,” says Ed. “This was

Now totalling 160 kW, Wiper & True’s

deliberate, in part because they already

solar panels will save them around £1.7m

had some big capital commitments with

over the system’s lifetime, paying back

the move to new premises. But also

the investment in well under five years.

because it gave them the chance to see

It will also save more than 700 tonnes

some real-world results before scaling

in carbon emissions, which was also a

up.”

large part of their motivation in going the

For every project, CleanEarth model

renewables route (see case study).

the system’s output over time, mapping this to the energy demand on-site

INCREMENTAL INVESTMENT

and forecasting the payback period and return on the capital investment.

Shropshire’s Ludlow Brewing Co started

It’s a robust model which has been

their solar journey a couple of years

hen Wiper & True

refined across more than a thousand

earlier than their Bristolian counterparts.

moved into new

installations. But actual results make a

CleanEarth installed 36 kW of panels in

Bristol premises in

more compelling argument than paper

2021, extending it a year later to nearly

2021, they installed

forecasts!

double that.

solar panels as part of the building’s

For Wiper & True, it quickly became clear

As Gary Walters, Ludlow Brewing Co’s

refurbishment. Last year they extended

that their initial foray into solar generation

managing director says, “solar power

W

40 kW of rooftop

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

REACHING NET ZERO Wiper and True are on a mission to reach Net Zero by 2030, and solar generation is central to their decarbonisation plans.

In addition to their 160 kW solar installation, Wiper & True’s Net Zero pathway has seen them deploy specialist technology that captures the carbon dioxide produced as their beer ferments. Instead of being released into the atmosphere the CO2 is cleaned, stored and used elsewhere in the brewing process, creating a closed loop.

They also do all their local deliveries by electric van, make their labels from cornstarch instead of plastic, and use 100% FSC-certified cardboard in their packaging.

As one of the UK’s first brewers to employ a dedicated Sustainability Manager, Wiper & True’s commitment to the environment is clear.

is the cornerstone of our sustainability

a key priority. CleanEarth designed a

In some cases a “once and done”

strategy.” And that’s why they doubled

system that used all the available roof-

approach makes most sense, in others

it again in 2023, bringing their installed

space across three conjoined buildings.

there may be compelling reasons to take

capacity to 120 kW.

As Ed Lennon says, “we really couldn’t

things step-by-step.

The advantages were clear to Gary

have squeezed in any more.”

Ed Lennon believes the key is to keep

Walters: “this has been instrumental in future-proofing the brewery’s energy

Stewart Cawte, Keltek Brewery’s

focused on the needs of the business.

infrastructure, to help us create long-

managing director, believes that making

“Every project has its own unique set

term operational efficiency and reduce

a full-scale installation part of the

of conditions,” he says. “My job is to

emissions and costs.”

refurbishment was a good move.

work out which solution will provide the

According to CleanEarth’s Ed Lennon,

“CleanEarth worked well with the other

best commercial and environmental

Ludlow Brewing Co and Wiper & True

trades on-site,” he says. “They made

outcomes in the long-term.”

are far from being outliers in their

it easy for us to understand, and the

Ultimately it’s all about saving money and

incremental approach. “A growing

whole process was painless and very

saving carbon. If breweries are investing

proportion of our work is for companies

supportive.”

for a second or third time in solar power,

who have put a toe in the water, seen

He is also delighted that the brewery’s

that shows it can do both.

that solar works for them, and come back

investment will save 600 tonnes in

for more.”

carbon emissions over its lifetime, along

CleanEarth operate throughout the UK

with £450,000 in energy bills, providing

from their HQ in Cornwall. They have been

payback in under four years.

developing solar and wind projects for

Of course, the staged approach isn’t the

businesses large and small since 2010.

only way to tackle self-generation. If the circumstances are right, there’s no reason

HORSES FOR COURSES

Their renewable installations in the brewing sector include Budweiser Brewing Group,

not to commit fully from the outset.

Keltek Brewery in Redruth, Cornwall,

There is no single “right” way to approach

Goodh Brewing Co, Left Handed Giant,

recently did exactly that when they went

an investment in solar generation. Every

Moor Beer, Verdant Brewing Co - as well

for a 122 kW system right off the bat.

case is different and all the variables

as the above-mentioned Keltek Brewery,

As they embarked on a major

need to be addressed - from energy

Ludlow Brewing Co and Wiper & True.

refurbishment of their premises, they

consumption to hours of sunshine, from

made reducing their carbon footprint

available capital to accessible roof-space.

brewersjournal.info

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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25

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

POWERING THE FUTURE HARE BREWERY, NEAR BRISTOL, HAS INSTALLED HUNDREDS MORE SOLAR PANELS ON ITS ROOF WITH THE AIM OF USING AS MUCH RENEWABLE ENERGY AS POSSIBLE TO FUEL ITS BEER PRODUCTION.

H

are Brewery, which is

The Cornwall-based company is also

owned by St Austell

responsible for the solar arrays at St

Brewery, has installed

Austell Brewery’s head office and

a wealth of new solar

Cornwall Distribution Centre in St

panels on its roof. Why?

Columb, as well as the 892 solar panels

With the aim of using as much renewable

previously installed on Hare Brewery.

energy as possible to fuel its beer production.

The 608 new solar panels add to St

The business will now be able to

Austell Brewery’s efforts to champion

generate an additional 230,511kWh

sustainability and reach its net zero goals.

electricity per year. This added to the

During the summer months, Hare

energy the existing solar panels at

Brewery is expected to be able to brew

the site generate is the equivalent of

its beer and operate on the energy

powering around 150 homes.

the panels produce, with the system designed so that almost 100% of the

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

The new solar array which takes up

generated power will be consumed on

the entire roof space of the brewery’s

site. In the winter the site will draw a

distribution centre in Warmley was

minimal amount of electric from the grid.

installed by ZLC Energy Limited.

It’s estimated that the arrays will save a

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY huge 50,000kg of CO2 per year – which

the completed install with than a cold

equates to 85.5 passengers’ roundtrip

pint of Tribute.”

flights to Munich.

As part of the brewery’s overall Elle Sambrook, St Austell Brewery’s Head

sustainability aims, Will Hartley,

of Sustainability, said: “This is a really

Production Manager for Hare Brewery,

big step towards our net zero plans to

has also been leading on brewing beer

eliminate our avoidable emissions.

with less energy.

“We set ourselves an additional goal to increase our on-site green energy and

He said: “Our teams are focused on

reach 50% energy consumption from

several different improvement projects

renewables across all sites by 2030.

to reduce our energy consumption and

“These solar panels are a big part of

waste.

making that goal a reality and we are

“The method with the biggest impact

already at 40% onsite generation at Hare

is likely to be optimising our boil

Brewery with this installation.”

evaporation; effectively we will use less steam to achieve our boil. This will mean

ZLC’s Managing Director, Matthew

we reduce the amount of natural gas we

Shepherd, added: “We are proud to have

use to make our beer.”

worked with St Austell brewery since 2012 to support them in working towards their sustainability goals. St Austell

These solar panels are a big part of making that goal a reality and we are already at 40% onsite generation at Hare Brewery with this installation, Elle Sambrook

Brewery is a great customer to work with and there is nothing better to celebrate

SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY Why choose us?

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brewersjournal.info

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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27

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

SUSTAINABLE BEER PRODUCTION IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES AND CUTTING WASTAGE ARE TWO KEY REQUESTS FROM BREWERY OWNERS. MARTIN SMITH, THE CO-FOUNDER OF GRAVITY SYSTEMS, EXPLAINS HOW THEY ARE HELPING MEET THOSE EXACTING DEMANDS.

O

ver the last 12 to 18

from the brewery, transported it to our

months we have

offices and workshop in Peterborough

been developing and

and added 30% extra capacity by cutting

implementing new

the top off the kettle and hygienically

process enhancements

welding a new pre-fabricated top section

to improve customers efficiencies,

with extended shell height.

increase production volumes and reduce

In addition to this upgrade, we also

water wastage.

replaced their existing mash tun rake by

Examples of these enhancements have

installing our new combined bidirectional

been successfully installed and proven

mash mixer/spent grain removal triad to

at breweries such as Track Brewery

the base of the tank.

Co, BlackJack Brewing Co, Two Flints

This modification reduces the mash out

Brewery, The Five Points Brewing

time by more than 33% and reduces the

Company, BeerCraft and Brixton Brewery.

mash tun cleaning time.

Our environmentally friendly water

Gravity Systems were also a key part

saving condensers for hot water tanks

of the recently installed Co2 recovery

and kettles eliminate odours, eliminate

system at Brixton Brewery.

room condensation and the possibility

Our brief was to work with Brixton

of mould build up, in addition to

Brewery and Dalum to design and install

reducing water usage over conventional

their services requirements. Brixton

condensers.

Brewery were aiming to reduce their

Condensers can be easily integrated into

carbon footprint and improve their wider

existing brewery systems with minimal

environmental impact.

down time and installation impact.

They therefore invested in a Dalum Co2 recovery unit the first of its kind

To increase production batch volumes at

in London, which captures the CO2

The Five Points Brewery Company and

produced in the brewing process and

to save on the expense of a new tank we

allows them to reuse it in other parts of

removed their existing 20-barrel kettle

the process. They estimate that this will provide up to 70% of their C02 needs meaning they purchase and transport less CO2 and crucially emit far less.

Gravity Systems was formed to meet the growing demand in the craft beer market for a single source for all brewhouse, fermentation, services generation and distribution. It was formed

by Tony Barnett and Martin Smith, two experienced engineers who have over many years gained a wealth of knowledge in the brewery, beverage and food industries which enables them to understand and appreciate the technical and business issues breweries are faced with, whether an extension, upgrade or a complete new brewery.

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

MINIMISE WATER CONSUMPTION WATER IS INTEGRAL TO THE BREWING PROCESS BUT BREWING IS ALSO INCREDIBLY WATERINTENSIVE. SO WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO MINIMISE OUR WATER CONSUMPTION WHEN MAKING OUR BEERS, EXPLAINS SØREN NØHR BAK, SENIOR EXPERTISE DIRECTOR AT NIRAS

W

ater is not only

water consumption with a water recycling

critical for our

system (see case study below).

survival — it’s key

There are also examples of brewers

to the success of

using treated wastewater from other

economies too.

sources to produce beer — and it has

What was once a plentiful commodity

gone down well with the public.

is now increasingly recognised as

Carlsberg also set the standard for

something that needs to be preserved

recycling in a move that has been

both for the environment and to avoid the

emulated across the industry. Now more

high cost of wastewater disposal.

breweries are recycling water, not just

As many as three out of four jobs are

for technical purposes but for process

either heavily or moderately dependent

critical elements, such as the final rinse

on water, according to the UN, so any

when cleaning production equipment

droughts or restrictions on supply will

and packaging materials. The barrier they

impact a company’s success and a

need to overcome is how to safely use

nation’s prosperity too.

processed wastewater while maintaining the same quality standards. Given the

Brewing, as mentioned previously, is

amount of research that has gone into

water-intensive and, whereas CO2e

brewing processes and water efficiency

emissions are a global concern, there are

in recent years, there is a real opportunity

local differences in the availability and

to rethink traditional methods, and apply

quality of water. This not only impacts

the latest scientific thinking.

processes within a brewery but also

This has already resulted in substantial

where to locate it.

gains for some companies — such

We’ve seen examples of breweries being

as reducing water usage. Whereas

forced to move to a new site because

previously around 12% of water might be

they couldn’t get the required water

evaporated to remove the alcohol,

volume to produce its beers efficiently

it can now be as low as 1-2% thanks to

and cost-effectively. As climate change

improved processes.

heightens the risk of water scarcity, access to water is critical to future-

SPOTLIGHT ON CARLSBERG

proofing a site.

Carlsberg Brewery in Fredericia,

brewersjournal.info

Finally, raising awareness about the

Denmark, is now recycling 90% of

steps breweries are taking to reduce

all process water and has halved its

water consumption can help the public

overall water usage — making it the

to make informed purchase choices

most water- efficient production plant

that align with their values around

in the Carlsberg Group. As part of its

sustainability. We can see evidence

ambition to achieve zero water waste

of manufacturers outside the brewing

at its breweries, Carlsberg has invested

industry taking steps to reduce the risk

in a water recycling plant — which is

of water scarcity in the areas where they

reducing average water consumption at

operate — notably Coca-Cola via its

the brewery from 2.9 hl of water per hl of

Water Stewardship initiative.

beer to 1.4 hl of water per hl of beer. At a

In order to increase water efficiency, it’s

global level, Carlsberg’s aim is to halve

helpful to apply the Four Rs framework.

its water usage from 3,4 hectoliters to

Reduce the amount of water consumed

1,7 hectoliters pr. hectoliter of beverage

at a machine level, or by switching to

produced.

processes that don’t use as much water.

The plant was finished in the spring

The industry has been working on

of 2021. Carlsberg opened Fredericia

ways to reuse water in other secondary

Brewery on September 25, 1979. NIRAS

processes since the 1980s — so, while

was involved in the construction of the

there is still waste, significant progress

brewery through the company DanBrew

has been made. Carlsberg halved its

which is now part of NIRAS.

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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29

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

HYDES BREWERY’S GREEN STRATEGY

H

ydes, the family-owned

committed to recycling cooking oil in

independent brewery

kitchens and cutting wastage.

which celebrated its

Adam Mayers, Managing Director of

160th anniversary last

Hydes, commented: “We are focussed on

year, has introduced

driving energy efficiency improvements

numerous initiatives across different

with the brewery, production areas and

areas of the business from the brewery

across all sites.

and head office throughout its pub estate.

“We are acutely aware that our brewery

At the brewery in Salford, new

and pubs have a significant impact on

environmental measures include the

communities and the environment,

installation of state of the art inverter

therefore we must work sustainably and

drives which control the speed of the

responsibly to ensure we can safeguard

motors during the constant brewing

the future of our business and protect the

process to improve energy savings.

planet.

A steam generator has also been

“To help conserve energy a sustainability

installed which, although only used

steering group has been created and

when required such as particularly busy

meets regularly to review all energy

production periods, uses far less energy

efficiency and environmental practices.

than other power sources.

As well as making significant operational changes it’s also about making smaller,

The brewery has also been fully lagged

long-term changes to the way our

with insulation material to maximise

business runs.

energy efficiency, LED movement sensor

A SALFORD-BASED BREWER AND PUB RETAILER HAS ANNOUNCED A RAFT OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED ACROSS THE BUSINESS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

lights installed throughout and voltage

“We continue to fit LED bulbs every

optimisers added to use electricity at

time one is replaced and on all

230v allowing significant energy savings

refurbishments. We also ensure energy is

to be made.

regularly monitored so targets can be set

Further additions to the brewery

and achieved.

operation include plant automation reducing inefficiencies and downtime, EV

Voltage optimisation and cellar

charge points and all dray vehicles are

compartmentalisation has also been

fully solar panel battery powered.

incorporated at several sites with

Initiatives to be implemented throughout

additional rollout planned for more pubs.”

the year include the harvesting of rainwater inside the brewery for cask

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City,

washing use and investment in an

was formed in 1863 and supplies beers

energy-efficient heat pump in the

to wholesalers, pub companies and other

brewery for heating and cooling of the

brewers throughout the UK and a pub

office space.

retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North

Across the pub estate, a number of

Wales.

Hydes’ pubs have installed LED sensor

Hydes operates nearly 50 pubs ranging

lighting and EV charging stations.

from Lancaster in the North to Stoke-

A biomass boiler has been installed at

on Trent in the Midlands and across to

the Stamford Bridge in Chester with the

North Wales including a wide selection of

intention of introducing similar energy-

premium dining destination outlets and

efficient boilers to more Hydes pubs.

traditional community pubs.

Pubs across the estate have also

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

RECYCLING FOOD WASTE RUNNING A BUSINESS IN A MANNER THAT PRIORITISES BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES IS NO MEAN FEAT. HOWEVER, IT’S A CHALLENGE THAT WELLS & CO. AGREED TO TACKLE HEAD-ON THROUGH A CORPORATE COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THE PLANET. THIS IS HOW THEY DID IT.

E

group was powered by 100% renewable

Ed Robinson, sustainability manager

energy, Wells & Co. partnered with

at Wells & Co., commented: “During

Osprey Energy to roll-out fast charging

the pandemic, we decided to evaluate

points at a number of major sites

our existing approach. From this, it

nationwide.

became clear that we wanted to be

A dedicated auditing team was also

more proactive in our commitment

introduced, with the responsibility of

to sustainability across all areas of

analysing energy efficiency across

the company. Like most hospitality

the group, setting baselines and

businesses, food waste is a frustrating –

making strategic changes to minimise

but hard to eliminate – part of our day-to-

consumption.

day operations.

Elsewhere, three hives with 25,000

“Alongside numerous initiatives to

honeybees were introduced to the

decarbonise operations and accelerate

Brewpoint site, with honey now on sale in

our corporate transition towards net zero,

the shop and also added to a new wheat

embracing a food waste recycling service

lager brew.

seemed like a necessity to further reduce

A partnership with Too Good To Go was

our impact on the environment.

also struck up, which saw pubs across

“Our partnership with ReFood has

the group offer low-cost meals to app

already had a significant impact across

users rather than seeing excess wasted.

the business. Rather than just a service provider, we see the team as a partner.

However, one of the biggest moves was

They’re committed to making recycling

collaborating with ReFood – the UK’s

food waste as simple as possible for us,

leading food waste recycler – to take

working around the many schedules of

plate scrapings, kitchen scraps and out

our partners and restaurants.”

stablished in 1876, Wells

of date produce from the company’s 30

& Co. is an independent,

sites nationwide, in a bid to eradicate

Philip Simpson, commercial director at

family-owned pub

food waste to landfill.

ReFood, added: “Our closed-loop service

management business

With extensive experience working with

offers the perfect solution to tackle

based in the heart of

leading names from across the supply

unavoidable food waste at any hospitality

Bedfordshire.

chain, ReFood implemented a bespoke

business. We work with countless

Overseeing around 30 managed

service which has since helped Wells &

pubs, restaurants, bars and ‘food to go’

establishments across the UK –

Co. to revolutionise its green credentials.

establishments across the UK to reduce reliance on landfill.

from neighbourhood hangouts and countryside taverns, to friendly

CHANGING THE FUTURE

“One of the most important aspects of our service, however, is the opportunity

city centre stops – the company is headquartered at Brewpoint – a £14m

With three anaerobic digestion (AD)

to reduce costs. Indeed, compared to

state-of-the-art brewery specialising in

facilities in Widnes, Doncaster and

paying for commercial waste disposal,

small-run speciality ales and lagers.

Dagenham, ReFood collects 480,000

our food waste recycling service avoids

Following a period of reflection during

tonnes of food and drink waste each year

landfill tax rates.

the pandemic, Wells & Co. decided

and recycles it to generate renewable

“This means that many businesses can

to shake up operations and embrace

energy and sustainable biofertiliser.

expect to achieve savings of around 50%

a completely new approach that

With its own fleet of collection vehicles,

when working with us – a win for the

prioritises both the company’s impact

ReFood offers an end-to-end bespoke

environment and a boost for the bottom

on both the natural environment and the

service to suit exacting business needs.

line.

communities surrounding it.

Unique in the marketplace, its ‘bin

“As demonstrated by Wells & Co., the

This shift required a complete evolution

swap’ solution sees full bins collected

ReFood service is easy to integrate

of the business, but one that the team

and switched for empty, sanitised

into existing operations and can have

wholeheartedly supported.

replacements. This allows food waste

an immediate business impact. What’s

bins to be used directly in kitchen areas

more, staff need minimal training and

Alongside renegotiating energy contracts

and helps businesses to separate at

the impacts can be measured almost

to ensure that every establishment in the

source.

immediately.”

brewersjournal.info

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31

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

TURN THE TEMPERATURE DOWN ON RISING COSTS

A cold stablisation module using Parker’s Prepor NG and Bevpor BR filters at Zagrebačka pivovara in Croatia.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WAYS WE CAN TURN THE TEMPERATURE DOWN ON RISING COSTS. FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERTISE CAN HELP BREWERIES BECOME MORE EFFICIENT, EXPLAINS MARK RICHARDSON, PROCESSING PRODUCT MANAGER AT PARKER BIOSCIENCE FILTRATION.

R

ising energy costs,

of solution unless the line pressure is

according to a report by

increased and tightly controlled.

Frontier Economics for

This means that booster pumps

the British Beer and Pub

which regulate the line pressure at

Association (BBPA), are the

approximately 10–14barg are necessary

biggest threat to breweries’ viability. Add

to control degassing. Running these

to that increased raw material prices and

pumps requires a significant amount of

breweries are under increasing pressure

electricity.

to operate more efficiently.

Clearly there are no easy fixes to the

Cold stabilisation. This is the use of

threats posed by energy price rises or

filtration to achieve microbially stable

supply chain disruption.

beer – uses less energy and is more environmentally friendly.

But by addressing how beer is stabilised

Heating the beer isn’t required and as

and how filtration systems are operated,

long as the line pressure is maintained

significant savings are possible.

at approximately 1barg, there is also no

Flash pasteurisation. This is where beer

requirement to run booster pumps.

is pasteurised for a short time at typically

Cold stabilisation also enables breweries

70°C – is a common method of removing

to reduce water use and beer losses.

spoilage microorganisms.

Flash pasteurisers work by passing the

However, a large amount of energy is

beer through a plate heat exchanger

required to achieve the temperatures

(PHE) at a required flow rate.

required for the process to run effectively.

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

There are additional costs, too. Heating

The Pasteurisation Unit (PU) level is a

the beer will cause the CO2 to come out

function of temperature and time – which

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION means that flowrate through the system is critical. The correct pressure also needs to be maintained to achieve the correct carbonation level and prevent degassing as the beer heats up.

If these parameters fluctuate and cause the PU level to change, the process will be stopped and held in standby mode – which typically involves dumping the beer.

The beer is replaced with an equal quantity of flowing water until the

Parker Bevpor BR filters

problem is rectified… and this can result in huge quantities of water being used. are all vital considerations.

spend on consumables and lead to more

Cold stabilisation is a far less volatile

Filters themselves certainly shouldn’t

downtime.

method, as there is not such a high

always get the blame for blockages.

Chemicals used in CIP regimes can

demand on a reliable flow rate,

A change in process fluid (for instance

potentially put filter integrity at risk and

temperature, or pressure.

water from a new municipal source) can

the high temperature required to facilitate

The water consumption of a cold filtration

cause filters to block more frequently

the breakdown of blockage materials

system, therefore, can be much smaller

if the system hasn’t been correctly

poses a risk to the filter construct too.

than that of a pasteurisation system.

optimised.

Parker’s Technical Support Group offers

In addition, in the pasteurisation process,

Filtering a new beer product with the

guidance on the compatibility of filters

every time there is a batch change, the

same system as used on a different

with CIP regimes, and can recommend

water consumption far outweighs that

product can again, cause premature

solutions that optimise CIP regimes and

associated with cold stabilisation.

blocking – for example, if the ‘new’

ensure that filter integrity is maintained.

product has an elevated protein content.

Integrity testing will also help operators

Ensuring that filters last longer before

Specialist expertise is required to

to identify if a CIP regime is damaging

they need to be replaced, and reducing

ensure optimisation is successful:

filters… and filters should be integrity

blockage rates, can have an impact on

Parker’s Technical Support Group, for

tested after CIP to ensure their integrity

both consumable spend and a brewery’s

instance, can undertake filterability trials

before processing takes place.

productivity.

to optimise filtration, analyse blocked

Our Bevcheck portable semi-automated

The more frequently filters need to be

cartridges, and conduct process analysis

integrity testing units and Bevcheck

switched out, the more often a process

to support brewers.

Plus fully automated integrity testing

will need to be put on hold. And the

units have been developed to support

faster filters come to the end of their

Of course, an effective Clean in Place

usable lives, the greater the expenditure

(CIP) regime will remove and/or reduce

on replacements.

blockage components to prolong a

Technology and methodologies are

Developments in membrane filtration

filter’s lifespan. Filters should be cleaned

continuing to evolve, as demand for

technology have helped to address these

regularly to control microbial levels and

more energy efficient solutions surges.

challenges. Parker’s Bevpor BR filters,

they should be cleaned between product

Parker, for instance, is exploring the

for example, feature unique, graded

batches to prevent cross contamination.

potential for a greater use of enzymes

density PES membranes which have

CIP will also support the sanitisation

in CIP regimes, which can work at lower

been engineered to resist blockages by

of filters by removing and/or reducing

temperatures than caustic washes, thus

capturing microbial contaminants without

retained microorganisms to prevent

helping breweries to reduce energy

restricting flow paths.

microbial build-up.

consumption.

They have been developed to return

Techniques for CIP include using hot

Switching from flash pasteurisation to

the maximum lifetime and throughput

water, employing a caustic wash or

cold stabilisation is just one part of the

to blockage, helping to reduce

a peracetic acid (PAA) wash, using

journey to greater efficiency. Accessing

the operational costs of microbial

disinfectant or backwashing with water.

the specialist expertise needed to

stabilisation.

The regime will vary, depending on

optimise filtration systems and CIP

requirements.

regimes, and embracing innovation, are

The optimisation of filter systems is also

breweries in this.

also key.

key. Ensuring the correct pre-filtration

However CIP can be ineffective – and

Combined, these elements can help

measures are in place, that filters are

even cause damage and contribute to

breweries save time and money, reduce

sized correctly and that they are suitable

filter blockages – if the regime is not

their carbon footprints, and create a more

for filtering the specific product required,

tailored correctly. Again, this can increase

sustainable future.

brewersjournal.info

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33

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

DECENTRALISING THE CO2 MARKET A TRANSFORMATIVE SHIFT IN THE CO2 MARKET NOT ONLY PROPELS THE INDUSTRY TOWARDS OUR COLLECTIVE NETZERO GOALS BUT ALSO SHIELDS BUSINESSES FROM POTENTIAL DISRUPTIONS IN SUPPLY AND PRICE ARGUES DARIUS DARWELL, THE CO-FOUNDER OF CO2 HUBB.

the feverish zeal of yesteryears, it allows

So why has the CO2 conversation

us a crucial vantage point, a perspective

languished in obscurity until now?

that values efficiency and resourceful

Firstly, the unavailability of affordability

stewardship.

equipment has hindered most breweries

This pivot enhances the resilience of our

from accessing CO2 recapture

brewing businesses to weather future

technology, which has long been

storms and builds momentum for our

enjoyed by larger macro plants.

collective responsibility to fast-track

This coupled with a prolonged period of

our industry’s journey towards a more

abundant supply and low prices lulled

circular, net-zero economy.

us into complacency, disincentivising

As we get started in this new era of our

investment in alternative solutions.

brewing industry we must be strategic, planned and calculated in selecting the

Unstable supply and prices have sparked

low-hanging fruit that will deliver rapid,

the conversation, and affordable new

long-term security - For me, that starts

tech is fueling the fire of this new shift

with looking at our relationship with CO2.

in the way we source and manage CO2, where in five years I can hear brewers

Over the years we have placed

say, “Boc who?” or “Ah, remember Air

tremendous amounts of innovation

Liquide”..... But how do we get there?

energy focusing on making our beers as perfect as possible but we have perhaps

The first and most cost-effective step on

overlooked some of our commercial

your journey to CO2 resilience unlocks

vulnerabilities.

the hidden gold hiding in your plant,

It is always easy to see these shortfalls

efficiency! By conducting a thorough

with the clarity of hindsight, but it is

audit of your brewery’s processes and

absurd that we have travelled this far in

systems.

our industry’s journey discarding CO2

Like turning down your home radiator,

I

as a by-product of fermentation, only to

the small tweaks deliver big savings

n the past decade, I have revelled

pay to have it produced and transported

over time as those incremental gains

in this dynamic, energised and

via rigid and unstable supply chains all

compound, allowing you to brew more

fast-paced industry as we enjoyed

whilst being tied into loose contracts with

beer with fewer inputs, inching closer to

the rise of the so-called “Craft

incomprehensible surcharges.

CO2 resilience.

While efficacy is highly effective and

Beer Boom”.

During these times fads were frequent

And let’s not forget the impact our

must be continuously monitored, it

and the industry was alive with energy

actions have on the environment and

will only get you so far. At some point

fuelled by experimentation, innovation

the planet on which the ingredients we

to achieve your utopian goal of CO2

and rapid growth.

need to brew rely, as we witness ever

autonomy you are going to need to look

Amid recent and ongoing challenges, I

more unpredictable weather patterns,

at CO2 recovery.

feel we’ve grown wiser, more deliberate

heatwaves and droughts.

and more introspective.

We must curb the release of CO2 and

Last year at Beer X, Dalum gave an

Our gaze once fixated on the horizon of

other greenhouse gases or face the

impactful talk about their new technology

novelty, now turns inward, honing in on

consequences of a rapidly warming

hitting the market and in the past year

the finer details of our operations and our

world. It follows that capturing and

there have been a few others introducing

long-term stability as a business.

reusing the CO2 released from

their solutions for CO2 recovery. However,

fermentation is better than adding it to

the landscape is going to further heat up

the already suffocating atmosphere.

in 2024 as pioneering innovators Earthly

While this newfound sobriety may lack

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION Labs launches in the UK as a Chart Industries company with their newly acquired engineering firm Howden, headquartered in Scotland with a large European presence.

Earthly Labs has been developing smallscale CO2 recovery systems since 2016 in the US and as a range of well-developed units catering for breweries of upwards of 2,000HL/pa to take control of their CO2 supply.

Efficacy auditing serves to pinpoint areas for CO2 reduction, complemented by CO2 recovery that captures the CO2 naturally produced.

This combined approach not only closes the loop but also significantly diminishes dependence on external sources. The key to achieving complete autonomy

recovering, using and generating a

organically decentralises the CO2 market.

in your process gas supply, creating a

surplus of CO2.

This transformative shift not only propels the industry towards our collective net-

surplus for potential commodity sales, lies in the additional incorporation of

Envisioning a future where the majority

zero goals but also shields businesses

nitrogen generation in your system.

of breweries operate autonomously for

from potential disruptions in supply and

The convergence of these systems

their process gas needs, this utopian

price, enhancing overall balance sheet

establishes a trifecta, paving the way

scenario eliminates the reliance on third-

performance and stability.

for breweries to operate autonomously

party supply, fostering a surplus that

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SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

REDUCE EMISSIONS WITH CO2 UPGRADES EUROPEAN DRINKS MANUFACTURER ROYAL UNIBREW MADE THE CALL TO UPGRADE PARTS OF ITS PRODUCTION SETUP AND IMPROVE ITS ECO-FRIENDLY APPROACH IN THE PROCESS. HERE, GARY ROBSON OF SURE PURITY OUTLINES THE ROLE THE BUSINESS PLAYED IN THIS PROJECT.

R

oyal Unibrew is a leading regional beverage provider covering Northern Europe, Italy, France and selected international markets.

The company produces quality beverages such as beer, malt beverages, soft drinks as well as ciders and ready to drink products.

The carbon dioxide produced during fermentation is collected, purified and used to carbonate soft drinks at its production site in Faxe, Denmark. In addition to their own brands, they also produce soft drinks under license for Pepsico.

Ongoing compliance to Global quality directives as well as a proactive attitude towards innovative technology led Royal Unibrew to contact Sure Purity.

We cooperated on a project to replace a set of aging loose filled activated carbon towers that had been causing operational

improvements in downtime and

issues.

operational efficiency.

Royal Unibrew Quality Coordinator -

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

Andreas Harpøth explains why Sure

“The modular design of the cartridge

Purity was selected “We considered

filtration will substantially shorten

the suppliers approved by PepsiCo,

maintenance time, by only having to

Sure Purity offered a product that met

change once per year it will also reduce

our needs and offered a greater level

downtime overall.

of protection from a wider range of

“I found the company to be very

impurities compared to our previous

responsive, giving clear and complete

system and gave the assurance we

answers to our questions, some of which

needed in the event of a CO2 related

were technically complex and unique to

quality incident”.

our brewery.”

Sure Purity assisted Royal Unibrew in

The compact modular design of

sizing, model selection, lay-out and

Carboguard means capacity can be

installation of the Carboguard system

expanded by adding modules. Integrated

maintenance manager for brewing and

stage one and stage five high efficiency

utilities Jakob Agerbo Bach explains how

filtration removes Non Volatile and

the project went: “We contacted Sure

Volatile organic residues, entrained liquid

Purity and explained the operational

and aerosol particles.

issues we were facing with the current

Stage two, three and four removes trace

equipment, they assessed our situation

chemical impurities such as hydrocarbon

and offered a solution that not only

and sulphur compounds found in

addressed our issues but gave us

sources of carbon dioxide.

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

GOING GREEN WITH CO2 RECOVERY EMBRACING CO2 RECOVERY TECHNOLOGY NOT ONLY ALIGNS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS BUT ALSO DELIVERS TANGIBLE BENEFITS FOR BREWERIES—PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY, REALISING COST SAVINGS, PROVIDING A SHORT-TERM ROI, AND FOSTERING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN THE LONG TERM, EXPLAINS SAM LAWSON, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF SSV LIMITED.

I

n today’s business landscape, prioritising sustainability and curbing carbon emissions is critical across all sectors.

With heightened consumer

awareness and more stringent regulations, businesses face challenges in implementing changes that reduce their environmental impact.

For the brewing industry, a substantial contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is the fermentation process, significantly impacting the carbon footprint of beer production.

Recognising the urgency to address these emissions, breweries are increasingly adopting CO2 recovery systems as part of their sustainability initiatives.

These systems capture CO2 emitted during fermentation, purifying it for reuse

infrastructure without the need for high-

settings. Fully automated with PLC and

in the brewing process.

pressure storage vessels.

remote access capabilities, it represents

This not only reduces atmospheric CO2

The design minimises flashing losses,

a cutting-edge solution for breweries

emissions but also yields significant cost

typically found in higher-pressure

committed to sustainability, operational

savings, given the essential role of CO2

systems, resulting in enhanced efficiency,

efficiency, and safe practices.

in beer production and the wide-ranging

cost savings and overall value.

fluctuations seen over recent years in

Embracing CO2 recovery technology

CO2 prices and the difficulty at times for

The Hypro unit boasts user-friendly

not only aligns with environmental goals

breweries to secure supply.

operation with an intelligent monitoring

but also delivers tangible benefits for

system overseeing CO2 quality and

breweries—promoting sustainability,

SSV Limited is actively engaged in

managing the recovery process

realising cost savings, providing a short-

reducing its carbon footprint and has

automatically. Its versatility can be

term ROI, and fostering operational

introduced the innovative Hypro CO2

further amplified by the option of a CO2

excellence in the long term.

Recovery Unit.

distillation column to achieve even

By investing in innovative solutions like

This system offers notable advantages

higher purities. Notably, the Hypro CO2

the SSV Limited Hypro CO2 Recovery

over others, operating at moderate

Recovery unit eliminates the need to

Unit, breweries can actively contribute to

pressures of 15-18 bar, enabling

handle CO2 cylinders, enhancing safety

a more sustainable future while reducing

breweries to leverage existing

and operational convenience in brewery

their environmental impact.

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SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

BEER SHOULDN’T COST THE EARTH

IS NITROGEN GENERATION THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR BREWERY? CRAIG SMITH, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR PNEUMATECH IN THE UK & IRELAND, IS HERE TO EXPLAIN ALL.

to shake up operations and embrace

With nitrogen making up 79% of the air

a completely new approach that

that we breathe, it is the most abundantly

prioritises both the company’s impact

available gas in the world. The process

on both the natural environment and the

of nitrogen generation is simply

communities surrounding it.

compressing ambient air, filtering out the

This shift required a complete evolution

oxygen and other impurities, and storing it.

of the business, but one that the team

The nitrogen purity achieved is dictated

wholeheartedly supported.

by the amount of contact time with the

In a climate where rising costs and

filtration. If you flow the air through faster,

sustainability are the key topics of

less filtration takes place and therefore

discussion from brewers of all sizes, there

lower purity (higher O2 content) nitrogen

is still a real hesitance within the industry

is produced. Lower flow yields higher

to make the change from purchased CO2

purity.

to on-site nitrogen generation.

Despite nitrogen generation systems

SHOULD YOU CHANGE?

being present in breweries across the country for 10+ years, brewers

Well firstly, it’s not as big a risk as you

consistently share the same concerns.

think. With so many case studies within

The first, quality – what happens to my

the brewing industry, the concept has

stablished in 1876, Wells

DO level when making the change?

been proven in a multitude of breweries

& Co. is an independent,

Secondly, accessibility – nitrogen

making a multitude of beers. Anecdotally,

family-owned pub

generation is for the big boys, it wouldn’t

I have heard of breweries running

management business

be suited to a craft brewer such as

systems at nitrogen purities as low as

based in the heart of

myself.

99.3%, with no issue with their DO.

E

Secondly, costs have never been higher

Bedfordshire.

Overseeing around 30 managed

It’s understandable, your product is

for breweries and, unfortunately, it is

establishments across the UK –

your reputation, and if the product is

taking its toll on the industry – including

from neighbourhood hangouts and

considerably worse, your customer is

some of the big names.

countryside taverns, to friendly

unlikely to take into consideration the

city centre stops – the company is

thousands of pounds you saved by

Brewers are seeing their costs increase

headquartered at Brewpoint – a £14m

switching. Yet, with so many positive

at a much higher rate than they can

state-of-the-art brewery specialising in

references out there already within the

pass on to customers, which becomes

small-run speciality ales and lagers.

industry, this is a concern which should

unsustainable.

Following a period of reflection during

have been allayed long before now.

As recently as 2022, increases in CO2

the pandemic, Wells & Co. decided

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

supply costs of 3000% were reported,

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION and that was for those who could get

THE NEXT STEPS

THE NUMBERS

their hands on it. Even now, there is often a surcharge added to the invoice of

I feel that whilst generally aware of the

customers, so the week-to-week cost is

technology, the lack of knowing the finer

With the kind of savings we are

unpredictable.

details appear to be what are holding

seeing, the average payback of the

many brewers back.

projects tend to be less than 2 years.

In both 2018 and 2022, there have been

Beer quality and DO is by far the biggest

So, what are the next steps?

CO2 crises which have highlighted

concern, as no amount of savings will

u Still worried about what impact it

the vulnerability of the supply chain.

compensate for a lesser product.

will have on your product? Carry out

By taking control of their own supply,

Alex at Full Circle Brew Co in Newcastle

your own trial with one of our rental

savvy brewers are reducing the reliance

reports that he has converted everything

units.

on third-party gas availability and the

other than carbonation (approx. 80-

u Unable to commit to capital outlay

headaches this can bring.

85% of his prior CO2 usage) to nitrogen

at the moment? Utilise our finance

Finally, the brewing industry is one of

and achieves DO levels in the region of

package to allow you to save money

the most conscious when it comes

30ppb – from a 99.9% system.

every month from day 1.

to their impact on the planet, which is commendable.

u Planning to grow within the next 12 The carbon footprint reduction from

months? Great, rent one of our units

moving away from delivered CO2 is also

until such times as you are ready to

Many industries treat sustainability

a huge benefit to brewers. With electricity

move forward with the larger system.

as a ‘nice-to-have’ where brewers, in

being the only real factor in the nitrogen

u Unsure on what size of system is

the main, treat it as a genuine priority.

generation system, it often has a CO2e

right for your brewery? Speak to the

Reducing their CO2 consumption and

around 95% lower than delivered CO2 –

experts!

introducing nitrogen generation, it has a

not to mention the emissions of all the

u Want to learn how your savings

huge impact on the carbon footprint of a

trucks on the roads delivering the gas.

stack up vs the figures shown?

brewery’s beer.

An overview of general industry figures

Download the calculator on our

are shown below, alongside an example

website and fill in 4 cells for an instant

of an average sized brewery:

savings estimation!

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brewersjournal.info

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

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SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ADVANCED HOP EXTRACTS

BY OPTIMIZING BREWHOUSE EFFICIENCY, DIVERSIFYING PRODUCT QUALITY, AND REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, LIQUID HOP PRODUCTS ALIGN WITH THE GLOBAL CALL FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY FUTURE IN BREWING, EXPLAINS BREEZE OUTHWAITE, SENIOR INNOVATIONS SCIENTIST AT TOTALLY NATURAL SOLUTIONS.

I

n an era marked by

hopping to liquid extracts can help

unprecedented ecological,

brewers achieve their sustainability goals

economic, and societal

by eradicating the need for spent hop

challenges, industries worldwide

removal as demonstrated in a recent

must overhaul their practices to

study published in Brewing Science,

reduce resource consumption, reverse

which showed that substitution of hop

the effects of waste pollution and align

pellets with liquid hop extracts in a pale

with net-zero goals to mitigate the

ale increased beer yield by 10.2%.

impacts of climate change.

By eliminating the need for hop matter

The brewing industry is no exception,

removal, hop extracts substantially

with market demands driving a collective

reduce the amount of waste generated

effort among brewers and consumers to

during the brewing process resulting

reduce their environmental footprint.

in increased beer yield and overall

Advanced liquid hop extracts have

profitability.

emerged as a valuable tool in achieving

These benefits allow brewers to support

sustainability goals by enhancing

the UN’s Sustainable Development

brewhouse efficiency, beer diversification

Goal of responsible consumption and

and product quality whilst concurrently

production, one of a package of UN

reducing costs for breweries.

policies designed to improve human lives and protect the environment.

According to Persistence Market Research, the hop extract market is

The efficiency of essential oil extraction

poised to double, exceeding $2 billion in

also sets liquid extracts apart. As reported

the next decade.

by the Shellhammer group, University

While hop extracts have existed for years,

of Oregon, dry-hopping with pellets has

recent technological advancements

an essential oil extraction efficiency of

and innovations in the craft and global

33 – 51%, whereas dry-hop substitution

brewing industries have catapulted

products, such as the HopBurst® range

their status from a mere novelty to an

provide 100% utilization rates.

indispensable ingredient for improving

This increased efficiency translates into

brewhouse sustainability.

fewer hops needed to achieve equivalent results, reducing the demand for land,

Pioneering this evolution since 2011, we

water, and resources, thus contributing to

have played a leading role, employing

a more sustainable brewing process.

patented fractionation techniques, innovative research and development,

One of the most remarkable aspects

and close collaboration with hop farmers

of advanced hop products is the

and brewers to ensure top-quality beer.

downstream diversification of wort

Advanced hop extracts offer an array of

streams in the brewing industry. This

options to brewers, serving as a versatile

approach allows brewers to create

solution to enhance flavour, aroma,

multiple beer styles post-fermentation.

bittering, haze, and attributes of no/low

This innovative approach involves

alcohol beers.

splitting a base beer to incorporate

Dry-hop substitution products have

various combinations of aroma,

gained popularity as standardized, fully

bittering, no/low alcohol, or haze

soluble, varietal-specific hop essential oil

products, offering unlimited possibilities

solutions, typically added during or post

for experimentation and product

fermentation.

differentiation whilst significantly enhancing brewhouse efficiency.

Switching from traditional pellet dry

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

One of the most innovative tools in

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

wort stream differentiation is a patented

The recyclable and compact packaging

fractionation technique employed by

not only reduces shipping and

Totally Natural Solutions that provides

transportation energy but also lowers

advanced extraction of essential oils

costs when compared to traditional hop

from hops, allowing brewers to fine-tune the flavour, aroma and functionality of their beer profiles with unprecedented precision.

One of the outcomes of this proprietary process is the HopZero range, a 100% hop-derived product which removes undesirable attributes associated with low-alcohol and carbohydrate beers without resorting to energy-intensive processing. The patented fractionation technique, coupled with the exclusive use of environmentally friendly processing aids, ensures a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to brewing.

However, the impact of reimagining one brew into various beer styles using only bright beer tank additions is wide reaching.

Due to their ready solubility and downstream addition, bittering and essential oil extracts can reduce the boil and dry hop tank residency timelines,

This increased efficiency translates into fewer hops needed to achieve equivalent results, reducing the demand for land, water, and resources, thus contributing to a more sustainable brewing process, Breeze Outhwaite

pellets.

To ensure widespread adoption and awareness of the benefits of advanced hop extracts, education is key. It is important for brewers, industry professionals, and consumers alike to understand the positive impact that these sustainable practices can have on the brewing ecosystem.

However, it is equally important to provide pragmatic information to educate brewers and scientists on how to implement these products into the brewing process, from microbrewery all the way up to industrial scale.

In conclusion, the integration of advanced hop extracts is transforming the brewing industry’s sustainability landscape.

By optimizing brewhouse efficiency, diversifying product quality, and reducing environmental impact, these liquid hop products align with the global call for a

remove the need for disposable hop

more sustainable and eco-friendly future

filters as well as reduce the volume of

in brewing.

water required for cleaning.

As brewers increasingly adopt these

Furthermore, advanced liquid hop

innovations, the industry moves closer to

products can be stored at room

a harmonious balance between flavour

temperature for up to two years,

excellence, ecological responsibility, and

eliminating the need for refrigeration.

the exciting final product innovation.

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SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

SUSTAINABLE ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY IS FAR FROM BEING ABLE TO SOLVE ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS, BUT IT CAN HELP WITH SOME, EXPLAINS MARIAN ELISA REED – INDUSTRY MANAGER FOR BEER AT FOSS.

I

t’s been an intense few years,

hoses to minimize transfer waste,

no matter which part of the beer

being mindful of water and utilities

industry you work in. A pandemic

consumption.

gave way to supply chain

If you are in a larger brewery, you may

challenges, inflation, insolvency,

also be looking at CO2 recapture and

and to top it off – changing consumer

water reclamation/treatment as well. All

tastes.

of these actions have direct sustainability

It has been hard to focus on anything

benefits.

other than survival and employee retention. But we are starting to see

Let’s take an example in grain

the new shape of the industry, and

consumption – in craft beer, many

sustainability is thankfully becoming part

breweries aim a bit over the targeted ABV

of the dialogue again.

in order to not rip customers off (while staying within their regional taxation

So let’s focus here, on sustainability.

reporting requirements).

A word that is loaded with meaning,

So what does it mean when you can

interpreted a million different ways, and

remove one 25kg bag of grain from your

frequently misused as a brand or profit

recipes, while still giving your consumers

tool. We will go through sustainability’s

the beer they want at the ABV you

3Ps here, people, planet, and profit, but

promise?

in reverse order.

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SUSTAINABILITY SUPPLEMENT

The quickest one to address is how

What does that savings mean over a

focusing on sustainability can be

month or a year? In short, you are then

profitable in a brewery. We all know how

shipping less grain, using less grain,

to optimize our processes – tweaking

producing less waste, and having better

the grain bill to hit your targeted ABV,

extraction in your wort production. It

optimizing steeping and mashing

seems simple, but this is a sustainable

temperatures, buying the right length

way to approach brewing.

BREWERS JOURNAL

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION Each of those actions can decrease your

FT Go, but we are well aware that one

carbon footprint. So here, you directly see

instrument can’t do everything. But here

profitability integrating with that second

is what it ccan do for you.

P, planet.

It needs no sample prep, no sample degassing, nothing. It uses midrange

And to continue with this grain example

infrared (FTIR) lasers to analyze wort,

over to the people side of things, what

beer and hard seltzer, and it works very

if you can be sure that you are hitting

fast.

the right ABV, regardless of who takes

You can take a sample from your tank,

the measurement since you don’t need

walk over to the instrument and press go.

to prepare your wort or samples for

It doesn’t need sample prep since CO2 is

measurement?

eliminated by the instrument, and there

What does it mean when you have an

is a 55micron particle filter included with

archive of data that can better inform

the sample tubes.

your production decisions?

It takes only a few seconds for even the

This means that your teams’ work day

highest gravity, biggest dry-hopped

is simplified, anyone can step in and

beers, to seep through the filter.

support your QC team (or anyone can be part of your QC team).

BeerFoss currently measures ABV,

It also means that the team can

density, SG, extracts, pH, calories, RDF,

learn more together – data enables

and ADF, and can be used to measure

understanding and can help facilitate

wort, fermenting beer, finished beer, and

decision making. Having an instrument

finished hard seltzer.

that helps you get the results in a way

Because it is a turnkey solution, there is

that makes sense for your team’s needs

chance for operator error, anyone can

is helpful.

measure any beer on a BeerFoss. I used

We are starting to see the new shape of the industry, and sustainability is thankfully becoming part of the dialogue again, Marian Elisa Reed

to joke that it is so easy that a GM can do Let’s focus a bit more on people. Nothing

it, and I stand by this.

in a brewery happens without the team, they truly define the brewery’s brand.

It also is designed with the user in mind,

Much is asked from the operations and

meaning there is no need to calibrate

production team in a busy and literally

it, it is self-cleaning, And of course,

pressure-filled environment (the best

the instrument has highly repeatable

advice I received my first day working in

and accurate results. It has received

a brewery, from the best of all Yorkshire

satisfactory results in LGC/BAPS ring

men, was ‘never forget a brewery is

tests, and is currently undergoing a

always trying to kill you’. His advice

full methodology accreditation with all

certainly saved me a fractured foot from

internationally-recognized standards.

a steel keg incident, but I digress).

There is a business saying that ‘you can’t And more will be continued to be asked

manage what you can’t measure’. When

from the team – Sales and marketing

it comes to achieving sustainability goals,

will need to figure out how to inform the

measurements are key.

production schedule as consumer tastes

How much time is your team now saving

continue to evolve, and production will

since they don’t have to waste an hour

need to figure out how to maintain a high

preparing samples?

quality product throughout this journey, frequently learning on the fly.

How does this make their work day better? How much money are you

How can this be done in a sane,

actually saving when you trim your malt

sustainable, considerate way that does

bill? And while BeerFoss can’t resolve

not shift more pressure onto team

the big industry problems, it certainly

members who have been greatly

give you the data you need to make your

impacted by the changing economic

decisions.

conditions?

To be blunt, we at Foss love our BeerFoss

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