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How Breweries Reuse CO2 from Fermentation
Breweries produce more CO2 during fermentation than they need for carbonation - about 4kg per hectoliter versus the 3kg required. Modern CO2 recovery systems solve this by capturing, purifying, and reusing the excess gas. This reduces emissions by up to 50% and can cut CO2 costs in half.
Key Benefits:
- Cost Savings: Systems often pay for themselves in 2-4 years, saving breweries like Alaskan Brewing $500,000 annually.
- Environmental Impact: Medium breweries can reduce emissions by 1,500-2,000 tons annually, while large ones save up to 10,000 tons.
- New Revenue: Excess CO2 can be sold to industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
These systems are transforming brewing operations, offering a practical way to reduce waste, save money, and even generate income.
CO2 in the Brewing Process
How Fermentation Creates CO2
During fermentation, yeast transforms malt sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide (C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2) [1]. The amount of CO2 produced depends on the beer's sugar content and the yeast strain used, which can vary by beer style. This natural process presents both operational benefits and environmental concerns.
Impact of CO2 Release
Although CO2 is a crucial part of brewing, releasing it unchecked can have serious consequences. For smaller craft breweries, fermentation can account for up to 50% of their total emissions, while for larger industrial breweries, this figure is typically around 25-35%. On a global scale, brewing generates 28 million metric tons of CO2 annually [6][7], adding to climate challenges.
Because of this, fermentation CO2 is a key focus for recovery systems, which will be explored in later sections.
Leading Experts in Craft-Scale CO2 Recovery
CO2 Recovery Methods
Modern breweries are turning to pre-assembled systems to manage the 1kg CO2 surplus per hectoliter mentioned earlier, converting what was once waste into a usable resource. One standout option is Earthly Labs' CiCi units, widely adopted by craft breweries. These systems can recover up to 5,000 pounds of CO2 every month [1].
Collection Equipment
The capture process starts with specialized equipment, which includes:
- Collection hoods and pipes connected to fermentation tanks
- Foam traps to remove liquid droplets
- Multi-stage scrubbers
- Dehumidification systems
- High-pressure compressors [2]
For example, The Alchemist Brewery uses a system that recovers enough CO2 to package 1.8 million cans each year [8].
Processing and Storage Steps
After collection, the CO2 goes through a multi-step purification process to meet food-grade standards, achieving 99.9% purity [6]. Here's how it works:
| Processing Stage | Function | Components |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Filtration | Removes particles | Foam traps, primary filters |
| Purification | Eliminates contaminants | Scrubbers, carbon filters |
| Dehumidification | Removes moisture | Industrial dehumidifiers |
| Compression | Prepares for storage | High-pressure compressors |
| Quality Control | Verifies purity | Gas chromatography |
Once purified, the CO2 is stored in insulated, pressurized tanks kept at -20°C (-4°F) and 300 psi. This ready-to-use CO2 serves brewing operations and other applications, ensuring a steady supply for tasks like carbonation, which will be discussed later.
Uses for Recovered CO2
Brewery Operations
Recovered CO2 plays a key role in brewery operations, cutting down the need for purchased gas. One of its main uses is beer carbonation, where purified CO2 is reintroduced to ensure the perfect fizz and mouthfeel. This helps brewers maintain consistent carbonation levels across different beer styles while keeping quality in check.
Some key uses in breweries include:
- Controlling carbonation for consistent products
- Purging tanks to eliminate oxygen during packaging
- Powering automated cleaning systems
Alaskan Brewing Co. offers a great example of the benefits of CO2 recovery. Since installing their system in 2015, they've captured 95% of the CO2 produced during fermentation. This has saved them over $500,000 annually on gas and transportation costs[4].
Sales to Other Industries
Excess CO2 opens up opportunities for breweries to sell to other industries, creating additional revenue streams. The CO2 recovered during fermentation is high-purity and meets food-grade standards, making it suitable for a variety of uses.
Blindman Brewing, based in Lacombe, Alberta, captures around 100 metric tons of CO2 every year. Their $200,000 system pays for itself in just three years through a combination of gas savings and selling surplus CO2[5].
Selling CO2 also helps reduce emissions further. Blindman Brewing’s approach highlights the demand across industries such as:
| Industry | Applications | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Greenhouse CO2 enrichment | Regular supply |
| Food Production | Beverage carbonation | Food-grade purity |
| Manufacturing | Welding, industrial cooling | Technical grade |
| Water Treatment | pH adjustment, process control | Chemical grade |
| Cold Chain | Dry ice production | Chemical grade |
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Success Stories
Real-world examples show how breweries can use CO2 recovery to cut costs and reduce environmental impact. Here are two standout cases:
Blindman Brewing Results
Blindman Brewing made history as the first small brewery in Canada to adopt carbon capture technology[5]. Using a compact Earthly Labs system, they recover enough CO2 to stop buying it from external suppliers. They've also teamed up with data collection partners to fine-tune industry benchmarks[5].
Kirk Zembal, the brewery's co-founder, has collaborated with Olds College to gather performance data that can benefit other breweries in the industry[5].
Kaiserdom Brewery System
In 2020, Kaiserdom Brewery introduced a system developed with academic partners that allows them to fully meet their CO2 needs. By applying advanced purification methods, they ensure their beer maintains consistent quality[9]. These methods align with the purification standards discussed earlier in the Processing and Storage Steps section.
These examples highlight how breweries of different sizes can successfully adopt CO2 recovery systems, reinforcing the earlier points about their practical application in brewing operations.
Cost and Climate Impact
Closing the CO2 loop offers measurable benefits, balancing both financial and environmental priorities.
Financial Results
These systems often pay for themselves within 2-4 years. For larger breweries producing over 1 million hectoliters annually, the return on investment can happen in as little as 18 months. Fluctuations in CO2 prices can further increase savings by up to 50%. A great example is Alaskan Brewing, which saves $500,000 every year - a clear indication that these systems can scale effectively across different operations.
Recovered CO2 has also opened up new revenue opportunities for breweries.
CO2 Reduction Numbers
The emissions reductions are significant, with Blindman Brewing capturing 100 tons annually. On a broader scale, industry-wide figures illustrate the impact:
| Brewery Size (Annual Production) | Annual CO2 Reduction |
|---|---|
| Medium (500,000 hl) | 1,500-2,000 tons |
| Large (1,000,000+ hl) | 10,000 tons |
These reductions highlight how CO2 recovery is becoming a key practice for breweries dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint while maintaining efficient closed-loop systems as outlined earlier.
Conclusion
The brewing industry is making strides by adopting CO2 recovery systems, which offer both environmental and financial benefits. For example, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has implemented a system that captures 99% of fermentation CO2, resulting in $400,000 in annual savings [2].
These systems make financial sense, with a return on investment typically achieved within 2-4 years, thanks to reduced costs [1]. Additionally, selling excess recovered CO2 to other industries can open up new revenue opportunities [3]. This approach shows that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
As this technology continues to develop, it not only raises the bar for sustainable brewing but also serves as a practical model for other industries. It aligns with the brewing sector's broader push toward closed-loop systems, as discussed earlier [3].
FAQs
How much CO2 does beer fermentation produce?
Beer fermentation produces about 4kg of CO2 per hectoliter[1]. This opens the door for breweries to reuse this gas, potentially becoming self-reliant in CO2 and even turning it into a source of income. For instance, breweries like Blindman Brewing have successfully implemented systems to recover and reuse fermentation CO2.
Modern CO2 recovery systems can capture up to 100% of emissions[4]. Kaiserdom Brewery is an example of how these systems can help breweries manage their CO2 emissions effectively. This recovered gas can then be used across various brewery operations, including the following:
| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Counter-pressure Filling | Prevents oxidation |
| Draft Systems | Powers tap line operation |
| pH Adjustment | Controls water chemistry |
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What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Key Benefits
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.
What is your philosophy?
For thousands of years, we had only one way to unwind together. One way to let our guards down. One way to bridge the gap between who we are and who we are with others.
Not because it was perfect. But because it was all we had.
We decided that wasn't good enough.
We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise.
Where being present with others doesn't mean being absent from yourself. Where letting go doesn't mean losing control.This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better.
Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before.
We believe the greatest innovations don't just solve problems - they change how we live. They make us question why we ever settled for less.
That's what we're building. Not just a drink, but a new way forward. A future where social connection comes without compromise. Where tradition meets innovation. Where science meets ritual.
This is the future of social drinking.
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