NZ Brewery Installs Chart Carbon Capture System

NZ Brewery Installs Chart Carbon Capture System

Earthly Labs | August 24, 2023

Against the backdrop of a volatile carbon dioxide supply chain Eddyline Brewery became the first craft brewery in New Zealand to implement Earthly Labs' carbon capture to meet their CO2 needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Earthly Labs CiCi® Oak technology allows Eddyline to capture waste carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during fermentation, purify it, and reuse it to carbonate the beer, purge tanks, clean kegs and package beer. This is one of the latest sustainability initiatives by Eddyline who has implemented a number of a first-of-a-kind green initiatives to advance their sustainable operations, and last month won 18 medals at the New Zealand Beer Awards for their beers 100% powered by recovered CO2.

"Eddyline has always sought to ensure its environmental footprint is as small as possible using sustainable processes. It is wasteful to be producing CO2 that is usable yet venting it into the environment. Recapturing CO2 is a better way for the planet and creates superb beer, too," says Eddyline co-founder, Mic Heynekamp. "As evidence, we were honored to secure 18 medals from the judges for our beers at the 2023 New Zealand Beer Award from everything from light Pilsners and Lagers to IPAs and stout. It's the most medals we've earned in a single year."

In addition to driving quality product, Eddyline reports they can meet all of their CO2 needs with recovered CO2 since installing the system over six months ago. Like many parts of the world, New Zealand experienced extreme CO2 shortages and price volatility in the last 12 months. Some breweries could not get CO2, reducing or eliminating revenue and profits. Others experienced an increase in prices of CO2 by as much as 700%. While CO2 capture was a desired addition to Eddyline's impressive green tech portfolio, it quickly became essential equipment while the NZ brewery market braced for a new shortage of a key ingredient for brewing.

"It is an honor to work with Eddyline, a sustainability pioneer, and leader in the New Zealand brewing industry," said Chart Industries' Earthly Labs President and Founder, Amy George. "While our focus is on capturing CO2 to drive results, it is great to see our customers leverage this natural ingredient and walk away with so many beer awards for their quality and craftsmanship. It's a triple win - for the customers, the business, and the planet."

Carbon capture has long been reserved for large-scale brewers, but Earthly Labs has provided small-scale technology to make it affordable and achievable for all size businesses. The CiCi (Oak) system is the size of a refrigerator, installs in less than a week and allows brewers to reduce CO2 purchases and costs.