Attractive new deionization technology for the brewing industry

New technology | Beer is mostly water, and minor ionic components have a major influence on brewing and beer quality. CapDi, a new membrane capacitance deionization technology developed by Voltea, can now offer brewers an alternative to traditional deionization treatments.

“Malternatives” – local alternatives to malt

Sustainable and cost-effective | Supply-chain issues and climate change are presenting significant cost challenges for breweries all over the world. Using sustainable regional alternatives to malt can help reduce costs while also supporting local farmers and communities. This article explains how these “malternatives” can be successfully applied by brewers.

Pioneering to reach emission free maltings

Heat recovery | Stopping the use of fossil fuels is more urgent than ever, but still no emission-free maltings has been constructed so far. On average, malting of barley results in a carbon footprint in the range of 100–350 kg per ton of produced malt, depending on the malt variety, the efficiencies and used fuel types. In the following article the authors from Holland Malt, The Netherlands, introduce the concept of a completely electrified kilning system powered by large-scale heatpumps.

Good for the planet, good for business

Tipping point | “That magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire” – this is how Malcolm Gladwell, author of the now iconic book “The Tipping Point” [1], defines his eponymous concept. Using a host of true and amazing stories, Gladwell convincingly demonstrates not only that tipping points are real but that they can be crossed in either direction – towards positive outcomes, or, sadly, towards disastrous ones. Is sustainable brewing approaching the tipping point?

Sustainable craft beer: Ethical solutions for premium products

Positive impact | As time goes on, the one issue that has not waned in the public conscience due to fads and headlines across industries is sustainability. According to Euromonitor’s Voice of the Consumer Lifestyles survey, in 2021, 65 % of consumers highlighted they are concerned about climate change’s impact on their life and 67 % of consumers reported trying to have a positive impact on the environment through their daily actions. This translates to their support of the diverse array of industries and products that they interact with on a daily basis. One that has not by the very least been left out of the fray is the alcoholic drinks industry.

Sustainable membrane solutions for breweries

Focus on sustainability | NX Filtration is a global supplier of beer microfiltration membranes, which is fast gaining momentum as the preferred filtration process for beer thanks to its quality assurance, cost savings, and sustainable credentials. Founded by some of the original developers of beer membrane filtration technology, NX Filtration also offers unique nanofiltration membranes for treating water, recovering and reusing chemicals and water recycling. The strong focus on sustainability can also be seen at the Spanish La Zaragozana brewery, where NX Filtration technology has been successfully implemented.

Diamant – Environmentally compatible alternative

Breeding success | Diamant, a new noble aroma variety and a daughter of the old Spalter landrace, was launched by the Society of Hop Research (GfH) after an extensive time in development and selection carried out at the Bavarian State Research Centre for Agriculture, Freising, Germany. Diamant is a modern, economical variety with a top-class flavour, and it is environmentally compatible.

Sustainable brewing: cost-benefit value of process aids and enzymes

Brewing economics | A sustainable future for brewing: obiviously, everybody is for it – but how do you actually evaluate and implement sustainable brewing practices and procedures that not only resonate with consumers but also make sound business sense, both in the boardroom and in the brewery?

Enzymes and sustainable brewing

Sustainable and economical | A new generation of conscious consumers has driven significant change in the brewing industry. High-quality beer is now available in a range of flavors and varieties that align with consumers’ expectations, including low-alcohol, alcohol-free and gluten-free beers. But taste is not the only driver of new product development; rising concerns over the environment mean that sustainably produced beer is fast becoming people’s top choice. Now the question is, how can brewers improve the sustainability of their processes and end products to meet demand while also continuing to work economically?

Towards the use of green malt in breweries for more ecological beer

A green approach | At a time when climate and ecology are at the center of political and citizen debates, it is also the duty of industries to reduce their ecological footprint. For breweries, the use of green malt is one way to achieve this. Castle Malting has been thinking and searching for many years for the best way to value green malt.

Delivering the circular economy

Cradle to cradle | Businesses around the world are under pressure to operate as sustainably as possible and the global brewing industry is no exception. Understandably, the use of packaging is under the spotlight in terms of supply chain benefits, product protection and with the rise in consumer environmental awareness the packaging end of life and re-use. Reduction in the use of plastics, recycling, was the aim a few years ago but now business models need to move towards a full circular evidenced lifecycle solution.