Key Takeaways:
- The production and consumption of beer have a significant environmental impact, with estimated CO2e emissions varying greatly depending on factors such as cultivation, processing, and packaging.
- Draft beer can be a more environmentally friendly option than bottled beer, but it often involves waste due to cleaning, poor pressure control, and excess foam.
- Pubinno’s smart beer tap can reduce waste and increase average keg yield by precisely controlling the pouring of beer.
- The system can save water, reduce carbon emissions, and adjust the amount of foam based on local preference and beer type.
- The product has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment, particularly for expensive imported beers that require long-distance transportation and refrigeration.
Introduction to Sustainable Beer Consumption
As the week comes to a close, many of us look forward to enjoying a cold beer. However, the production and consumption of beer have a significant environmental impact. From the cultivation of barley and hops to the packaging and transportation of the final product, the estimated amount of CO2e emissions in beer can vary greatly. Additionally, the process of producing beer requires a significant amount of water, with up to 25 liters of water needed to produce each liter of beer. This has associated emissions with its purification and processing. Furthermore, the highest emissions related to beer are associated with non-returnable glass bottles, making draft beer a more environmentally friendly option.
The Problem of Waste in Draft Beer
Draft beer, however, tends to involve waste due to cleaning, poor pressure control, and excess foam. This can result in a significant amount of beer being lost, which not only affects the environment but also the bottom line of businesses that serve beer. Pubinno’s smart beer tap aims to address this issue by precisely controlling the pouring of beer to reduce waste. The system claims to increase average keg yield by roughly 21% and has already saved over 1.4 billion liters of water from over 200 million draft beers sold. The measured net carbon and water reduction is based on ISO 14064 and ISO 14046 standards, which has led to several industry sustainability awards.
How Pubinno’s Smart Beer Tap Works
Unlike some competitive products that pour from the bottom and use a magnetic puck to seal the cup, Pubinno’s smart beer tap does not require special glassware. This eliminates the added cost and carbon footprint associated with making the cups. The system pours beer without needing supervision, allowing it to work well in self-service situations or with inexperienced bartenders. It can even adjust the amount of foam based on local preference and beer type, making it a versatile solution for businesses that serve a variety of beers. In addition to carbonated beer, the system also works with nitrogenated beer, such as Guinness, and sodas.
The Benefits of Pubinno’s Smart Beer Tap
The demonstration of Pubinno’s smart beer tap at CES was impressive, with the system pouring beer with the right level of carbonation without needing the signature scraping of the foam off the top. The biggest impact of this product will likely be on expensive imported beers, where the heavy liquid needs to be transported long distances, sometimes while being refrigerated. The reduced waste and emissions can also save venues money, making it a cost-effective solution. Being eco-friendly can also make business sense, as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability when making purchasing decisions.
Conclusion and Future Impact
While Pubinno’s smart beer tap alone may not reverse global warming, it can make a difference in one specific area. If we all take steps to make incremental changes, the net impact can be significant. The product has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment, particularly for expensive imported beers that require long-distance transportation and refrigeration. As consumers, we can support businesses that prioritize sustainability and make eco-friendly choices when it comes to our beverage of choice. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future, one beer at a time.
