Generations of loyalty to people, nature and beer

Alfa: sustainable for around 150 years!

The founding of our brewery in 1870 can be seen as an early form of corporate social responsibility. In a way, we were ahead of our time. As a company with agricultural roots, the brewery allowed us to provide employment for day laborers even during the winter months, ensuring they had a steady income. That’s how we supported our staff.

But we’ve also consistently taken new initiatives when it comes to the environment. Whether it’s about resources like water or hops, reducing CO₂ emissions, or implementing energy-saving measures — we’ve been on a path of sustainability for almost 150 years!

As early as 1900, we were already saving hot water through the purchase of a so-called Berieslungs Kühler. Shortly after the war, we achieved an additional 20% saving by once again investing in a new cooling technology. At the same time, we managed to reduce coal usage by 10% while maintaining the same production output.

Starting in the 1970s — long before environmental concerns were high on the political or corporate agenda — we began making major strides. In 1970, we built our own natural water purification system. In 1980, we optimized our brewhouse operations, resulting in a 20% gain in energy efficiency. Additionally, we reduced our CO₂ purchase by 50% through efficient reuse during the production process.

The barley was originally grown in-house and later malted. The spent grain (also known as draff) is still used today, among other things, as animal feed. In the early 20th century, Henri Meens conducted an experiment to grow our own hops in the hilly region around Thull. Unfortunately, the quality of the hops produced did not meet the required standards, and the project was eventually discontinued.

We continue to look for more sustainable methods and ways to reuse materials. In 2013, we ranked second in a benchmark study of energy-efficient medium-sized breweries — in Europe! So among all medium-sized breweries across Europe, Alfa Beer has long been one of the most energy-efficient.

In 2015, we switched to 100% green electricity and gas. Additionally, a modification to our rinsing machine led to further savings in both energy and water consumption. For us, sustainability — using natural resources responsibly and treating both people and the environment with respect — is in our DNA.

Below you’ll find a number of highlights of sustainability measures implemented over the years, along with their respective reductions in environmental impact where applicable:

Year – Activity & Savings

• ca. 1900 – Purchase of a Berieselungs Kühler: approx. 5% savings on hot water

• ca. 1913 – Experiment with own hop cultivation by Henri Meens

• ca. 1953 – Purchase of a plate cooler: approx. 20% savings on hot water

• 1953 – Economiser avant la lettre: approx. 10% reduction in coal usage

• 1970 – Installation of natural water purification system

• 1980 – Brewhouse optimization: approx. 20% energy savings

• 1980 – Structural implementation of frequency converters

• 1985 – CO₂ recovery and reuse: approx. 50% reduction in CO₂ purchases

• 1990 – Steam boiler optimization (pressure reduction): approx. 10% energy savings

• 1995 – Optimization of cooling system with two systems: approx. 10% electricity savings

• 2000 – Optimization of compressed air (two screw compressor systems): approx. 3% electricity savings

• 2003 – Energy savings research conducted

• 2005 – Malt purchased from regional malt house: reduced transport costs at supplier

• 2013 – Ranked second most energy-efficient medium-sized brewery in Europe according to benchmark study

• 2013 – LED lighting in production halls: approx. 2% electricity savings

• 2014 – Outdoor lighting at hospitality venues replaced with LED: approx. 65% savings

• 2014 – Continuous monitoring of production processes (“to measure is to know”): approx. 3% energy savings

• 2015 – Switch to 100% green electricity and gas

• 2015 – Rinsing machine modification: approx. 5% energy and 40% water savings

• 2017 – Office lighting replaced with LED: approx. 2% electricity savings

• 2018 – New bottle design requiring less glass: approx. 5% glass savings

• 2022 – Automation of motor controls: approx. 20% energy savings

• 2023 – New steam network with insulation and optimized condensate system: approx. 4% gas savings

• 2023 – Halved transport movements by using double pallets on forklifts

• 2024 – Automation of temperature control: approx. 2% energy savings

• 2025 – Insulation of the rinsing machine to reduce heat loss: approx. 1% savings

• 2025 – New keg filler leading to savings on water, energy, and gas (planned)

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Alfa: sustainable for around 150 years!

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