The Future of Beer: Sustainability and Consumer Demand
April, 2024
Brewing beer has a profound environmental footprint, making sustainability a vital aspect of any conscientious brewery. From sourcing raw materials to packaging and distribution, each stage of the brewing process can contribute to carbon emissions, water pollution, and waste generation. For many breweries, choosing sustainable alternatives is already a top priority. By embracing sustainable brewing practices like water conservation and energy-efficient technology, breweries minimize their environmental impact with the additional bonus of bringing cost efficiencies into their process.
For breweries who have yet to consider the environmental or cost-efficiencies sustainable brewing practices can bring, have you considered the impact it has on consumer purchase decisions?
Not producing sustainable beer? Your customers DO care
Pall conducted a global survey of 3,500 beer drinkers to understand their perceptions and purchasing motivations regarding sustainable brewing. One thing was obvious: beer drinkers care about their environmental impact and are demanding brewers prioritize sustainability.
Our research indicates a significant rise in sustainable beer consumption, with over eight in ten beer drinkers currently trying to reduce their carbon or water footprints or are interested in doing so. Consumers care about their preferred beverage's environmental impact and expect breweries to adopt sustainable practices to win brand loyalty. By implementing innovative filtration technologies that support water and energy conservation, breweries can recover valuable by-products, reduce waste disposal costs and meet consumer demand.
Understanding the Sustainable Beer Drinker
Our survey confirms that 25% of beer drinkers are sustainable beer drinkers, challenging the myth that it's a small market segment. In fact, the sustainable beer-drinking segment is higher than average in the largest market surveyed: the US. Sustainable beer consumers represent an opportunity for growth for brewers. Preferring a wide range of beer styles and having higher incomes, these consumers would consistently choose a sustainable beer, even if faced with a cheaper alternative that was the same in every other respect.
So, what considerations are there for these consumers when purchasing beer? 73% of respondents pay at least a little attention to the environment when buying a beer in a supermarket. Likewise, consumers are more aware of how their purchasing decisions may impact sustainability, with 65% paying at least a little attention to the environment when ordering a beer in a bar or restaurant.
Sustainable Beer: Balancing Taste, Quality, and the Planet
In today's environmentally conscious world, consumers are increasingly seeking out beers that are not only delicious but also produced with minimal negative impact on the planet. To meet this demand, breweries are focusing on using locally sourced and organic ingredients and adopting sustainable packaging and energy-efficient production methods. By prioritizing these factors, breweries can appeal to environmentally aware consumers who want to enjoy their favorite beverages with a clear conscience. By adopting sustainable brewing techniques, breweries meet consumer expectations and contribute to a healthier and greener planet.
Pall is committed to beer sustainability. Our innovative filtration solutions enable breweries to optimize their processes, reducing water usage and waste generation. Contact us to discover how you can enhance sustainability efforts while delivering high-quality, environmentally-friendly beer to consumers.
Discover more insights from your customer. Download the full report here.
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