Shining Silver: Why Aluminum is the Future of Beer Kegs
Beer is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages globally. With its popularity on the rise, breweries are always looking for innovative ways to package and distribute their products. One of the ways in which breweries are changing the game is by adopting aluminum kegs as a packaging option.
Whilst beer kegs made of traditional materials such as steel and plastic have been around for decades, aluminum kegs are quickly rising to become the preferred option among brewers. The ability of aluminum to retain and preserve the quality of beer, coupled with its recycling benefits, makes it an excellent choice for breweries looking to take a more sustainable approach.
Below we take a closer look at aluminum kegs and why they are poised to be the future of beer kegs.
The Advantages of Aluminum Beer Kegs
Great Preservation
One of the biggest advantages of using aluminum kegs for beer is that they preserve the quality of beer. Aluminum is a non-reactive metal, so it does not corrode, rust or react with any elements present in beer. This ensures that the beer has no undesirable flavors or odors.
More Environmentally Friendly
Apart from preserving the quality of beer, aluminum kegs are environmentally friendly. Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials, with an incredible recycling rate of over 75%. This means that aluminum kegs can be used and reused multiple times, making it an ideal packaging choice for breweries.
Durability
Unlike other materials, aluminum is incredibly durable. Aluminum kegs are resistant to dents and dings, and they can easily withstand the rigors of transportation and handling. This means that beer is less likely to become damaged during distribution, ensuring that the quality of beer is preserved from the brewery to the consumer.
Lightweight
Another advantage of aluminum kegs is that they are lightweight. Having a lightweight package makes it easier for distributors to carry more kegs in one trip, reducing transportation costs. Lightweight kegs also mean that it is easier for venues to manage and store loads.
What About Steel and Plastic?
Whilst aluminum kegs are quickly growing in popularity, steel and plastic kegs are still very common. Steel kegs, in particular, have been used for decades and are known for their durability.
However, steel kegs are known to rust and corrode, which can negatively affect the flavor and quality of beer. They are also heavier than aluminum kegs, which increases transportation costs and makes them more challenging to move around.
Plastic kegs, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to move around, but they are more commonly used for small-batch distribution. Plastic kegs have a shorter shelf life compared to aluminum and steel kegs which can affect the quality of beer.
The Future of Beer Kegs: Aluminum
Now more than ever, breweries are turning to more sustainable options for packaging their products. Aluminum kegs are leading the charge and becoming more popular with breweries across the globe.
Using aluminum kegs not only preserves the quality of beer but also has environmental benefits. Aluminum kegs can be reused multiple times and are infinitely recyclable, making them a sound choice for breweries looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Aluminum kegs are also more cost-effective due to their lightweight structure. Brewers can ship more beer per load, reducing transportation costs and increasing profits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aluminum kegs reusable?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of aluminum kegs is their ability to be reused over and over again. This reduces the carbon footprint of breweries and makes them a more sustainable option.
Can aluminum kegs be recycled?
Absolutely! Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials, with an incredible recycling rate of over 75%. This means that aluminum kegs can be recycled and repurposed after use, reducing waste and helping to protect the environment.
Are aluminum kegs more expensive than steel or plastic kegs?
Aluminum kegs may cost more upfront than steel or plastic kegs. But given their sustainability and durability, they prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. They last much longer and require less maintenance, reducing overall costs for breweries.