Submit an Initiative
Are you a brewer or a business operating in the beer value chain in Europe that has taken steps to integrate environmental sustainability in your operations? If so, we’d love to know more and to promote your efforts.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Brewers of Europe aim to have a positive impact on society, people and the planet.
For many years we have encouraged sustainable practices in our brewing processes, in our supply chains, and in how beer is consumed and enjoyed.
We are central to a circular European economy and our progress goes hand-in-hand with the aims of the new European Green Deal.
The beer sector today innovates, leads by example and brings people together for sustainability.
WHAT WE DO
From micro to macro, the diverse number and type of breweries have made direct improvements on the use of water, energy, transport and packaging.
We’re committed to reducing CO2 emissions, waste and providing the reuse of secondary products through innovative processes and solutions in partnership with others.
There’s more to be done and we’re working with our suppliers, distributors and retailers to follow the same philosophy.
WHY NOW
This is the launch of our platform on sustainability in the beer sector, but brewers have long encouraged sustainable practices in our brewing processes, in our supply chains, and in how beer is consumed and enjoyed.
Now there is an opportunity to combine our expertise and leadership as members of The Brewers of Europe to show collectively how we can contribute to the overarching European and global commitments and ambitions.
The EU Green Deal remains one of the six cross-sectoral priorities for the European Commission, relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals that are important strategic ambitions across the world.
The Brewers of Europe is a vital competent of this strategy.
It is part of the ‘grain to glass’ strategy for our industry – beer is central to a circular economy and an interconnected part of many sectors. We want to make sure that sustainability is implemented throughout our organisations for the good of the planet.
The COVID19 crisis has been hugely disruptive and damaging to our sector in Europe. However, our commitment to sustainability remains at the heart of our priorities and will continue to be central to any ‘green recovery’ as the brewing sector rises from the current crisis.
Blog
Why we still need to fix the PPWR
We were disappointed last month when the European Parliament voted for a version of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that failed to correct the preferential treatment for some alcohol sectors. However, this is just one step in the legislative...
MEPs need to plug the loopholes that undermine the PPWR’s environmental aims
The European Parliament has always led the way when it comes to sustainability, pushing the European Union to be more ambitious. Meeting in Strasbourg on Wednesday, November 22, MEPs can use their power to shape one of the EU’s most important environmental laws of...
A chance to save the packaging rulebook
Exactly three weeks ago, on October 24, MEPs in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee voted on the draft EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Unfortunately, whilst making some marked improvements and important clarifications to the European...
Beer cannot be the only alcoholic drink delivering on the packaging reuse and recycling targets
European case law long ago established that beer competes with wine and other alcoholic beverages on the drinks market. So why then, do draft versions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) proposals – currently under discussion in the European...
Why the EU must incentivise the keg, the ultimate sustainable packaging system
Without packaging, there is no beer. It’s as simple as that. As brewers, we need robust and airtight containers to hold, transport and serve the product. And we need to do it while keeping it safe, hygienic and of the highest quality. Kegs are a key part of our...
PPWR: a draft regulation with noble aims but still many flaws
We brewers believe in the circular economy. We’ve been recycling and reusing for many decades. We support the EU’s sustainability agenda. So when we first heard about the plans for a comprehensive Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (#PPWR), it made perfect sense...
Latest initiatives
Upcycling brewery waste streams
CHEERS is an EU funded project which aims to find new uses for the brewing industry waste by-streams, converting it into high value-added industrial bio-products through a biorefinery approach.
How Luxembourg’s Brasserie Nationale is cutting water use
The brewery aims to half water consumption (2.4L/ 1L of beer) and reduce the pollution load by 90% by investing in a private sewage treatment plant to recycle waste water for cleaning and heating.
The tech company using AI and robotics to save water
Pubinno, Inc. is a San Francisco-based technology company that uses AI and robotics. Pubinno works with four of the world's top 10 breweries to produce 'Perfect Beer' and save hundreds of million litres of water.
Our contribution
INNOVATION
6,000 years in the making: innovating for sustainability at every step in the process and every link in the supply chain.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
We promote, demonstrate and act on sustainability so that others can follow our lead.
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Locally rooted, globally relevant: working together for a sustainable future.
OUR DIVERSITY
From micro to macro, brewers can make direct improvements because our diversity is our strength.
OUR AREAS OF FOCUS
ENERGY
Building more energy efficient breweries leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
WATER EFFICIENCY
Ensuring our number one ingredient is protected and nature is supported by our operations.
SECONDARY PRODUCTS
Using brewers’ grain, yeast and other by-products to cut waste and enhance biodiversity, returning nutrients to nature.
TRANSPORT
Moving beer in the best way possible. Working with our supply chain on solutions such as emissions-free trucks and even canal boats.
