Why drinks producers are looking to CO2 recovery systems

For the brewery and distillery industries the contribution to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during fermentation impacts hugely on the carbon footprint of beer. According to the Guardian, it accounts for one-twentieth of the CO2 released — that’s about 15g per pint.

Increasingly, CO2 recovery systems are being employed by both brewers and distillers to capture and purify CO2 released during fermentation for reuse. This practice not only reduces the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere but also saves money in the production process.

Investing in these systems can significantly sustainability. Longer term this may have a positive effect on the costs within the drinks sector associated with climate change.

Being purpose driven offers a competitive advantage for many businesses, but the use of CO2 recovery systems may also offer an advantage in the quality of products. The use of purer CO2 can improve the quality of beers and spirits, producing a smoother, more consistent flavour in the final product.

In the long run, CO2 recovery systems should pay for themselves, as the savings from using recycled CO2 can offset the initial installation and maintenance costs.

Challenges often lie in the initial cost of equipment, whether upsizing, increasing output, or implementing new technology to improve sustainability. One way to overcome this is by using equipment finance. Equipment finance allows for the purchase of equipment without paying the full cost upfront, helping to preserve working capital. It also offers flexible repayment options tailored to the specific needs of the brewery or distillery, managing cash flow, and ensuring affordable repayments.

To find out which finance packages can help your brand meet sustainability and decarbonising goals, get in touch with one of our team.