The Rise of Eco-Conscious Packaging in the Craft Beer Industry

The craft beer scene is changing quickly. Increasingly, the people who adore craft beer hope to save the planet while drinking it. That’s why packaging that cares of the world is becoming really popular. It means making products out of materials that don’t destroy the planet, such as recycled paper or biodegradable plastics or glass that can be reused many times. This not only helps minimize waste and pollution, but it also sends a message that a craft beer brand cares about the environment. At Anveena, we witness this transformation daily. There are a lot of craft beer makers who come to us all the time looking for something that meets their green values, but also keeps their beer fresh and tasty. But there’s more here than just appearance or sensation; it’s selfless, because as good as we’re making the beer inside taste, feel and look, aesthetically speaking, we’re also keeping good beer from turning bad with a little flair. 

The Impact of Sustainable Packaging on the Craft Beer Quality

Sustainable packaging isn’t just good for the earth it also helps beer keep better. Craft beer is delicate. It can lose its flavors allowing too much light, air and heat to penetrate. That’s why good packaging matters so much. "Anveena has found that through developing products using eco-friendly materials (including specially treated glass) or recycled cardboard with protective coatings, it can help keep beer fresh for longer periods. For instance, glass bottles manufactured with recycled content are capable of blocking out detrimental UV rays that otherwise would ruin the taste of beer. Plus, some of the biodegradable plastics we use can provide a strong seal to prevent beer oxidization from occurring so that your beer doesn't go stale. Some people wrongly believe that eco-friendly = less sturdy or cheaper packaging. In fact, smart design and good materials can probably keep the beer safer than traditional packaging. Also, sustainable packaging can withstand temperature fluctuations more than others. Unlike mass market beer, craft beer generally goes from the brewery to store shelves to homes, and protecting it through this journey is crucial. By our experience, a lot of craft brewers that we’ve seen go over to environmentally friendly packaging are experiencing less breakage and leaking. It’s also the packaging that keeps the beer smelling and tasting right, working in concert with Aroma. You love craft beer for those floral and hop nose-hits that set your senses googly. In other words, sustainable packaging is also a quality choice, not only an environmental one. 

Where to Find Affordable Eco-Friendly Craft Beer Brand Packaging

For many craft brewers, the big challenge is finding eco-friendly packaging solutions that won’t break the bank. We get the problem at Anveena, because ironically we are in close contact with all sizes of breweries. One way to reduce costs is by selecting materials that are readily available and can be reused like recycled glass or paperboard. We assist our customers in finding those materials in decent quantities, so the price doesn’t become too high. Also smart is to choose packaging designs that are simple, but also get the job done. Complex shapes or heavy ornamentation can add costs and don’t always provide added value for the beer — and the planet. We also help craft brewers see the entire end-to-end packaging process, not solely the box or bottle. Doing things such as printing with soy-based inks and using water-based glues cuts down on damage to the environment, but they can also be cost-effective over time. (And sometimes buying packaging in bulk from trusted sources like Anveena save money and guarantees quality.) We also assist brands by customizing packaging to precisely what they need with zero waste or expense. Our alliances with suppliers and experience in the market allow us to seek out the best deals without shortchanging them. Many craft beer brands that use us say cost-effective sustainable packaging is achievable if you know where to look and what to plan. It’s all about balance good for the earth, good for the beer and good for your budget. 

Selecting the Right Sustainable Package for Craft Beer Products

When makers of craft beer do want to get into environmentally friendly packaging, they have some difficult choices to make about selecting the types of materials and designs that work best. Selecting the best sustainable packaging involves identifying options that protect the beer, look attractive and are good for the earth at once. One thing that is, however, key: to choose materials that can be recycled or are made from renewable resources kraft paper or cardboard for some kinds of packaging, perhaps a specific kind of bio plastic. For instance, boxes are made out of recycled cardboard which saves waste and trees. Another factor to bear in mind is freshness, and how the packaging plays into that. Craft Beer Bottle is a special product, and it requires packaging that keeps it fresh and delicious for the consumer. That’s because the packaging should block air and light from getting in, which can spoil the beer. Companies like Anveena are working on developing packaging that is both environmentally sustainable and which will keep beer fresh, and secure. It’s also intelligent to consider how convenient it is to carry and store the packaging, because customers and the stores like packaging that’s easy to deal with and doesn’t require much space. Lastly, the packaging has to speak a narrative about the craft beer and communicate that fact that the brewery cares for the environment. By selecting the most sustainable packaging, craft beer makers are able to protect their product, save the planet and bring in more customers who wish to purchase green products. 

Typical Hurdles when Transitioning to Eco-Friendly Packaging for Craft Beer Wholesale

For craft beer distributors, transitioning to more sustainable packaging can be a wide work, and there are several challenges they may encounter. One common problem is cost. Environmentally friendly materials can be more expensive than standard plastic or glass, making it difficult for small breweries to afford the purchase of new packaging. While these costs might come down over time, the initial swap can feel costly. The other is finding the right materials that protect the beer well. And some green packaging choices don’t offer the same strength or refractive protection as traditional options, which can result in broken bottles or spoiled beer. This can translate into losses for wholesalers and stores. Additionally, to change packaging is to change how the beer is packed and shipped. It may require new machines, or a different approach to the storage of beer, which can be time-consuming and costly to install. There is also a learning curve for workers on how to use new technology, which can slow adoption. At times, customers will not comprehend new packaging or feel confident in it, especially if it looks significantly different from what they are accustomed to. That has required wholesalers and breweries to explain why the new packaging is better for the environment. Despite these challenges, businesses like Anveena are partnering with craft beer wholesalers to come up with intelligent and cost-effective answers to protect the beer and the planet. With patience and careful planning, making the transition to sustainable packaging is achievable, and it can deliver big returns in the long run. 

How Sustainable Packaging Increases Brand Value and Sales in Craft Beer Wholesale

One way craft beer companies can become stronger and move more product through the marketplaces is by utilizing environmentally friendly packaging. When customers know a brewery’s invested in the environment, they are likelier to feel good about buying its beer. It increase the popularity and trust of your brand. Consumers now want to back companies that are safeguarding nature, so environmentally friendly packaging signals the brewery is responsible and values something more than just simply profits. This can be enough to get customers to pick one brand over another, particularly when the beers taste good and the packaging looks smart. “There’s an opportunity for craft beer wholesalers to get on their feet,” Chin said, noting that green packaging can help open some doors. Stores and restaurants wish to sell products that align with their own earth-friendly values, so they are predisposed  toward purchasing and promoting beers in sustainable packaging. The expanded menu drives sales and allows the brewery to attract more customers. Another way that eco-friendly packaging is beneficial is in developing a strong narrative surrounding the product. People eat up stories of how their favorite beer gets made and it helps the environment. Anveena's packaging is made to tell that story loud and clear, all cardboard comes from recycled sources, with simple designs that draw you in. Such packaging also may prompt customers to hoard the containers and reuse or recycle them generating customer loyalty by making people feel a connection to a community that cares about the planet. Ultimately, eco-friendly glass beer bottles packaging isn’t just good for the earth it’s good business, supporting how craft beer brands grow and thrive in a world that values sustainability.