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New Belgium Brewing Reduces Packaging
Removal of Cardboard Partitions Saves Money and Lessens CO2 Emissions
| Source: New Belgium Brewing
FORT COLLINS, CO--(Marketwire - January 22, 2009) - New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire
Amber Ale, announced today that it will remove cardboard partitions from
12-pack carriers in an effort to reduce its cardboard consumption. At
current production levels, the move will eliminate 150 tons of cardboard
from going into New Belgium packaging, while preventing 174 metric tonnes
of CO2 emissions each year. In addition, the transition will save New
Belgium an estimated $280,000 in the coming year.
"We've designed a new 12-pack carton that will tighten the case to prevent
bottles from hitting each other during transit," said Director of
Operations Mark Fischer. "We ran the initial test of 2,500 cases into our
local market with no complaints or breakage issues."
Known as an industry leader in minimizing resource consumption, New Belgium
has long sought to reduce, reuse and recycle throughout its production
process. Reducing cardboard consumption has the added benefit of cutting
costs.
"We researched this decision thoroughly and the vast benefits are hard to
ignore," added New Belgium's Sustainability Director Jenn Orgolini. "We are
continuously looking at new ways to improve our processes and this shift
makes a lot of sense."
Consumers will start seeing the new 12-packs immediately for some New
Belgium beers, while the remainder of its existing Fat Tire inventory will
be used through February 2009. Folly Packs, or mixed 12-packs, will still
use the partition due to the logistics of hand packing.
For more information on New Belgium's sustainable practices, please see the
recently posted Sustainability Report at
http://www.newbelgium.com/sustainability.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of
Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in
1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium
produces seven year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue
Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well
as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class
beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model
with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management
and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit
www.newbelgium.com.