Nigerian, global brewers adopting sustainable technology

Faced with rising competition and a plethora of environmental and social challenges, Nigerian and global brewers are adopting technologies to reduce their energy consumption and emissions in order to grow bottom-line and regain customers’ trust.

At the Africa Brewing Conference held in Douala Cameroon, from June 12-15, half a day’s programme was devoted to discussing how automated brewing systems are providing brewers with exciting opportunities to increase production levels while significantly reducing the use of resources and costs.

“These systems allow brands to monitor temperatures, pressures, and other variables during production stages in a precise manner, resulting in higher quality products and increased end-user satisfaction,” said Kentish Mbrew, managing director of Steiner Hops Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Hopsteiner Group, which supplies brewers worldwide.

He added, “Additionally, data collected through sensor-connected equipment can optimise processes, create predictive analytics models to anticipate future needs, and better plan inventory stock levels.”

Alexander John, sales manager, Africa, for Ziemann Holvrieka, said the global beer industry is embracing new technologies in order to increase output, reduce waste, and implement more sustainable practices.

“In this era of super-sustainability, businesses have no time to waste, and burying your head in the sand is not an option,” John said.

He added, “Heightened public expectation and the formalisation of new environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements from investors mean beer brands must step up to the sustainability challenge like never before.”

“However, it is critical to look beyond and decarbonise the entire value chain through collaborative efforts,” John said during his presentation.

Jan Biering, head of research for German-based Beer and Beverage Production, said brewers are increasingly adopting technologies to reduce their energy consumption and emissions.

“One key area of focus is energy-efficient brewing equipment. Modern brewing equipment is designed to be more energy-efficient, using heat exchangers, insulated mash tuns and kettles, and energy-efficient pumps and motors,” Biering said.
“This means brewers can use less energy to heat water, resulting in significant energy savings,” he added.

Findings showed that Heineken, one of the world’s largest beer brands, has taken steps to reduce its environmental footprint across the value chain.

The company has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2040 and has implemented a variety of sustainable technologies, including renewable energy sources, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation technologies.

Source: business day