Carlsberg’s Innovative Approach to Recycling CO2 from Beer

Carlsberg’s journey toward sustainability continues with the installation of new carbonation tanks at its Falkenberg brewery.

The new tanks are part of an initiative to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and move closer to a circular production model.

At the core of the project is Carlsberg’s plan to recycle up to 40% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) used in the carbonation process.

The company’s brewing process naturally produces CO2 during fermentation and instead of releasing this gas, the new tanks will capture and recycle it.

This innovation means Carlsberg can reduce its reliance on externally sourced CO2 while lowering the number of truck transports.

The tanks are projected to cut the need for 120 truck transports annually, directly benefiting both the company’s supply chain and the environment.

Mikhail Zaripov, Utilities Manager at Carlsberg Sweden, highlights the importance of reusing by-products: “Thinking circularly and making use of residual products is natural for us.

"By recycling, processing and purifying the carbon dioxide from the fermentation, we create new carbonic acid for our drinks.”

Efficiency and sustainability combined

The new carbonation facility has a capacity of 750kg per hour, with two 30-ton tanks.

It will enable Carlsberg Sweden to produce around 3,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, covering up to 40% of the company's carbonic acid needs. This reduction in transport and reliance on external suppliers brings more stability to production and enhances efficiency.

In addition to these operational benefits, the system is designed to provide resilience against future shortages of CO2.

Jonas Kudermann, VP of Integrated Supply Chain at Carlsberg Sweden, explains: “A carbon dioxide recovery facility ensures that we can continue production even in the event of power outages or carbon dioxide shortages in Sweden or Europe.”

By using its own recycled carbon dioxide, Carlsberg gains independence from fluctuating supply issues and continues to push forward its sustainability goals. It’s another step in the brewer’s 'Together Towards ZERO' programme, which prioritises reducing emissions, water waste and the environmental impact of its global operations.

The road to a zero-carbon future

Carlsberg Sweden has already made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact.

Since 2017, it has been running its Falkenberg and Ramlösa production sites entirely on renewable energy, using green electricity and biogas. The company also uses only fossil-free carbon dioxide in its carbonation processes, which aligns with its ambitious sustainability targets.

Carlsberg’s Together Towards ZERO initiative, launched in 2017, outlines four primary goals: achieving a zero-carbon footprint, eliminating water waste, promoting responsible drinking and fostering a zero-accidents culture.

By investing in innovative solutions like the new CO2 recovery tanks, the company is one step closer to its 2040 goal of net-zero carbon emissions across its entire value chain.

The new recycling process is not just a practical innovation for the business - it’s a crucial move for the environment. With a commitment to sharing further progress on these initiatives, Carlsberg remains a leader in sustainable brewing, setting an example for the industry.

As the company continues its journey, its focus on recycling CO2 could inspire others to find creative ways to reduce waste and emissions, making a positive impact far beyond the brewery walls.

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