UK – Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) is investing over €11.5 million (US$12.6 million) in modernizing filling and packaging equipment at its Carlsberg Brewery in Northampton.
The company’s focus on energy efficiency and environmentally friendly packaging aligns with its commitment to a sustainable future.
CMBC’s investment includes the integration of the Innofill Can DVD filler and the Innopack Kisters Nature MultiPack (NMP) packer, both developed by KHS.
According to the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner producer, these state-of-the-art machines aim to improve production efficiency while simultaneously reducing water consumption and plastic usage in packaging.
Edgar-George Petsche, Executive Vice President of Market Zone Europe at KHS, highlighted the significance of these investments in sustainability, stating, “Energy-efficient lines and machines and safe, environmentally-friendly packaging systems are key components of our sustainability strategy.”
One of the notable sustainable packaging solutions adopted by CMBC is the Snap Pack Nature MultiPack, a system co-developed by KHS and Carlsberg Group. This innovative secondary packaging technique utilizes minimal adhesive dots to create a stable pack for beverage cans.
Since its introduction in the UK five years ago, Snap Pack has gained traction, with 65% of small multipacks from the Northampton brewery using this format by the end of 2022.
The recent investment in a second-generation Innopack Kisters NMP packer enables CMBC to double its production capacity, reaching up to 108,000 cans per hour.
This increased efficiency plays a crucial role in CMBC’s commitment to sustainability, with the Snap Pack set to reduce plastic usage by up to 76% compared to previous multipacks, eliminating the need for plastic rings.
Furthermore, the brewery’s investment in upgrading its production systems, including the two KHS machines, is expected to lead to an annual decrease in water consumption of up to 10%, equivalent to around 18 million liters.
These efforts align with CMBC’s broader sustainability goals outlined in its ‘Together Towards ZERO and Beyond ESG strategy.’
The company aims to achieve ZERO carbon emissions and improve water consumption efficiency at all its breweries to two hectoliters per produced hectoliter of beer by 2030.
Paul Davies, Chief Executive Officer of CMBC, emphasizes the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “This major investment in Northampton demonstrates our clear commitment to eliminating packaging waste, reducing water waste, and improving efficiency at our breweries.”
The substantial investment reflects CMBC’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility and its determination to deliver on ambitious sustainability targets.
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