Carlsberg's Sweden CO2 Recycling is Sustainability Boon
Carlsberg the multinational brewing company, has installed new carbonation tanks at its brewery in Falkenburg, Sweden, as part of its sustainability efforts.
The tanks will enable the brewery to recycle up to 40% of the carbon dioxide used in its beverage production process by the end of 2024.
The project involves collecting and reusing the carbon dioxide that is naturally produced during beer fermentation. This recycled gas will be used for carbonation in beer, soft drinks, and water at both the Falkenburg brewery and the company's water factory in Ramlösa.
Mikhail Zaripov, Utilities Manager at Carlsberg Sweden, explained the process: "By recycling, processing and purifying the carbon dioxide from the fermentation, we create new carbonic acid for our drinks. This means that we save on our resources and the environment, while also reducing the purchase of carbon dioxide in the future."
The new system is expected to reduce Carlsberg's carbon footprint and eliminate the need for 120 truck transports per year. Currently, the brewery purchases 9,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. The new recovery plant has a capacity of 750 kilograms per hour and includes two tanks, each with a 30-tonne capacity.
Carlsberg CO2 recovery minimizes supply problems
Jonas Kudermann, VP Integrated Supply Chain at Carlsberg Sweden, highlighted the additional benefits of the system: "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. This investment will give us a more robust production where we minimise the risk of external influences."
The installation is part of Carlsberg's broader sustainability programme, 'Together Towards ZERO and Beyond'. This initiative aims to achieve zero carbon emissions, zero water waste, zero irresponsible drinking, and a zero accidents culture. The company has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2040.
Carlsberg Sweden has been using only renewable energy sources in its beverage production since 2017, including certified green electricity and biogas. The carbon dioxide currently used to make carbonic acid in the company's Swedish operations is already fossil-free.
Zaripov concluded: "It is gratifying and a step forward in our work."
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