Stainless steel IBCs

The importance of sustainable beverage packaging

Sustainable beverage packaging is a key topic in the debate on environmental protection and resource conservation. The choice of packaging has a significant impact on the environmental footprint of a beverage. Regardless of whether it is beer, wine or non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks or water.

At SCHÄFER Container Systems KEG, we are aware of this responsibility. We would like to show you why stainless steel KEGs are an unbeatable solution in the field of sustainable beverage packaging.

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Stainless Steel KEGs

– that's why they are the best choice

Stainless steel KEGs are widely used in the beverage industry and for good reason. They offer a variety of benefits that make them the best choice for sustainable beverage packaging. At SCHÄFER Container Systems KEG, we ensure that our stainless steel KEGs meet the highest quality standards. And at the same time, they also protect the environment.

1.

Durability and reusability

Stainless steel is an extremely durable material. Our stainless steel KEGs can be used for up to 30 years and longer. During this time, they can be cleaned and refilled countless times. A single stainless steel KEG can replace up to 27,000 aluminium beverage cans during its lifetime.

Reusability not only helps to reduce waste. It also saves resources and energy that would otherwise have to be used for the production of new disposable packaging.

2.

Hygienic advantages

Stainless steel KEGs offer excellent hygienic properties:

  • Biocompatibility: stainless steel does not react with the contents and does not release any chemical substances.
  • Self-regeneration: The surface of stainless steel KEGs regenerates itself. As a result, it remains permanently smooth and free of cracks in which microorganisms could colonise.
  • Easy to clean: Stainless steel KEGs are easy to clean and sterilise, ensuring high standards of hygiene.

3.

Protection of beverage quality

Protection of beverage qualityStainless steel KEGs protect beverage quality in a unique way:

  • Impermeability: Stainless steel is absolutely impermeable to gases and liquids. This prevents foreign substances from penetrating the beverage.
  • Impermeable to light: In contrast to glass bottles, stainless steel protects against UV radiation. This could affect the quality and flavour of the drink.
  • No flavour transfer: Stainless steel does not transfer its own flavours to the beverage. This is particularly important for sensitive drinks such as beer or wine.

Comparison of different reusable packaging

When considering sustainable beverage packaging, it is important to compare different types of reusable packaging with each other. This is the only way to identify the best option for environmental friendliness and efficiency. Below we present the most common reusable packaging and show why stainless steel KEGs are the unbeatable choice.

Mehrweg-PET-Flaschen

Reusable PET bottles are made of sturdy plastic and can be refilled up to 25 times. Your benefits include:
 

  • Low weight: This reduces energy consumption during transport.
  • Recyclability: PET can be recycled, although the process cannot be repeated as often as required.
     

But there are also disadvantages:
 

  • Chemical interactions: PET can release chemicals that affect beverage quality.
  • Limited reusability: The maximum reuse of 25 cycles is low compared to stainless steel KEGs.

Returnable glass bottles

Returnable glass bottles can be refilled up to 50 times and are chemically inert. Your benefits include:
 

  • No chemical interactions: Glass does not release any substances that could affect the beverage.
  • High recyclability: glass can be recycled almost indefinitely.
     

However, the disadvantages are:
 

  • Heavy weight: This makes transport more energy-intensive and expensive.
  • Fragility: Glass bottles are susceptible to breakage and therefore less durable.

Getränkekartons

Although beverage cartons are often considered environmentally friendly, they have various disadvantages:
 

  • Difficult to recycle: The material mix of aluminium, plastic and paper makes recycling difficult.
  • Energy-intensive production: The production of beverage cartons consumes a lot of energy.
  • Single-use product: Unlike reusable packaging, drinks cartons cannot be used multiple times.

Stainless steel KEGs

Stainless steel KEGs offer an unbeatable combination of durability, reusability and protection of beverage quality. Your benefits include:

  • Extremely long service life: Stainless steel KEGs can be used for up to 30 years and longer.
  • Complete recyclability: Stainless steel can be recycled without any loss of quality.
  • No chemical interactions: Stainless steel does not alter the flavour or quality of the beverage.
  • Robustness: Stainless steel KEGs are robust and less susceptible to transport damage.

Services offered by SCHÄFER Container Systems KEG

Our commitment to sustainable beverage packaging goes beyond the production of stainless steel KEGs. We offer a wide range of services. This enables us to ensure that our customers get the maximum benefit from their packaging solutions.

1.

Repair and modification service

2.

KEG-Branding

3.

KEG traceability

Our mission is to transform the beverage industry through innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. That is why we are a founding member of the Steel KEG Association. This organisation is committed to promoting reusable stainless steel KEGs worldwide. And supports the efficiency of the circular economy.

Please contact us for more information about our products and services.

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