100% Recycled Paperboard is Tops for Brewery
The third-largest craft brewer in the Unites States made a shift to 100% recycled paperboard beverage carrier cartons and intends to carry the message to other companies.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company is a regional craft brewer based in Fort Collins, Colorado, distributing throughout the western United States. The third-largest craft brewery in the country, New Belgium produces more than six varieties of Belgian-style beers. Founded by an electrical engineer and a social worker, New Belgium is committed to environmental and social responsibility. As such, the company is the nation’s first 100% wind-powered brewery and also practices water conservation, an effort that has nearly halved the industry average of using eight barrels of water to produce one barrel of beer.
Packaging Challenge
With environmental policies in place related to energy use, water conservation and sustainability, New Belgium’s use of virgin paperboard for its six-pack and other carriers did not fit with the company mission and vision. The brewery staff began to search for environmentally sustainable options.
A Recycled Solution
A switch to 100% recycled paperboard six-pack carriers for the craft beers produced by New Belgium in 2003 was a natural alternative to the use of virgin paperboard. New Belgium also began using 100% recycled paperboard top sheet for its 12-pack and 24-pack carriers. Buying recycled paperboard packaging has become a part of New Belgium’s plan to lessen its ecological footprint. The company believes that supporting efforts like the use of 100% recycled paperboard makes it possible for other companies to follow suit, helping others to establish sustainable and environmentally conscientious practices.
100% Results
In the two-year period after New Belgium converted to 100% recycled paperboard, more than 12.5 million six-pack carriers have been used, all displaying the 100% recycled paperboard symbol. Supporting both sides of the recycling stream, New Belgium currently has a 99% landfill diversion rate and is helping to “close the recycling loop” through the use of 100% recycled paperboard packaging. They are very pleased with the overall performance and total value of the new 100% recycled paperboard beverage carrier in filling lines, on the shelf and in the refrigerator.
August 2005