News / Brewery bottles a thing of the past as company switches to cans
CLUTCHING a Lerwick Brewery bottle is set to be no more as the company shifts its range of craft beers from glass to aluminium cans.
The company said the decision to move solely to 440ml cans “reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability, shifting consumer preferences, and operational efficiencies for the Shetland-based brewery”.
The change means the Lerwick brewery building will no longer be producing bottled beers.
Canning will be done by Phil Macan, a Glasgow-based supplier to the brewing industry.
Lerwick Brewery said a key driver in the change is the reduced carbon footprint associated with cans compared with bottles.
Cans are said to be more sustainable because aluminium is readily and easily recycled, requiring less energy for the recycling process.
The brewery said the shape of cans allows for more efficient stacking, reducing the overall packaging needed, due to the higher volume of liquid held, and optimising transportation.
Graham Mercer, managing director of Lerwick Brewery, said: “We have carefully considered this transition from several angles, and ultimately, it’s the right move for our business and the environment.
“We believe this is the best way forward and are excited to see the response from our customers.
“The environmental benefits extend beyond recycling. Cans are lighter than glass bottles, leading to reduced fuel consumption during transportation.
“The compact nature of cans also allows for more efficient storage, minimising wasted space throughout the supply chain.
“By choosing cans, we are making a tangible commitment to reducing our environmental impact.”
The brewery said its decision also reflects a “significant shift” in consumer preferences within the craft beer market.
Recent data indicates a growing preference for canned beer, driven by factors such as convenience, portability, and perceptions of improved freshness, it said.
According to statistics from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), cans now account for a greater percentage of their members’ production than bottles.
Mercer said: “There’s a clear move towards cans, and we want to ensure that we are meeting consumer demand and providing our beers in the format that they prefer.”
The brewery also anticipates that the switch to cans will facilitate wider distribution of its beers, particularly on the mainland.
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