Beer in cans has already become a staple on supermarket and shop shelves, and we are all familiar with brews that are canned and properly labelled. If you are a craft beer brewer and are thinking about an expansion, you may well be considering whether beer canning is for you. Beer canning certainly comes with a lot of advantages, and although not many people may be aware of it, beer canning is actually better for your beer’s taste. But should you branch out into beer canning rather than bottling? What can you expect from it, and is it a worthy investment? Here’s what you should really know about beer canning – and how it can benefit you.

The cost of equipment and maintenance

Although it can be said that the cost of equipment for beer canning may be more expensive than a bottling line, you can rest assured that the equipment will pay for itself in the end. One reason for this is that canning production lines require fewer operators compared to a bottling line.

You can then use your workers for other jobs and tasks and utilize their skills elsewhere. However, managing employees in a physically demanding workspace could be another challenge that you may have to be careful about. Staff working in the beer canning or bottling unit needs to be more cautious while working since there can be a chance of accidents and injuries when operating the machines.

Most dangers could be easily avoided by providing employees with safety and precision training as well as necessary protective supplies. Moreover, websites like unigloves.co.uk and similar others can make it simple to stock up on supplies, including disposable gloves, cut-resistant gloves, thermal gloves, and more. As for the workability of the beer canning machine, it could also be automated and will only require supervisors to oversee the whole process and sort through defective packaging.

Smaller craft brewers often start out with bottles due to the lower initial costs. Bottling lines require less upfront investment and can be managed with relatively simple equipment. To create beer bottles, the process begins with thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the bottles to ensure they are free from any contaminants. Next, the bottles are filled with beer using a filling machine, which can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic depending on the scale of the brewery.

After filling, the bottles are sealed with caps to keep the beer fresh and secure. Then, a beer bottle label is applied to each bottle for a professional look. This labeling can be done either manually for very small operations or with automated labeling machines for larger batches. Lastly, the bottles are packaged into cartons, all ready for distribution to retailers or directly to customers. This entire process is manageable for smaller breweries and allows them to enter the market without the need for significant upfront investment in more complex equipment.

And, when the time is right to scale up from beer bottles to beer cans, you can still do so without worrying too much about the cost and technical considerations. A typical beer can seamer and canning machine is usually designed for such easy upgrades, allowing you to grow your operations conveniently and efficiently.

Safety within the canning business

Safety is a paramount consideration in the beer canning business, and it extends beyond the quality of the product itself. The canning process involves various machinery, high-pressure systems, and potentially flammable materials, emphasizing the need for robust safety protocols. Implementing stringent safety measures ensures the well-being of employees and the smooth operation of the facility. From regular equipment maintenance and employee training to proper handling of materials, every aspect contributes to a secure work environment.

Additionally, incorporating personal protective equipment (PPE) and ergonomic workstations can enhance both comfort and safety during the canning process. Also, working with College Station fire protection services is an indispensable component of safety preparedness. These services encompass fire detection systems, suppression solutions, and emergency response plans tailored to the specific hazards of the canning process. By prioritizing safety in the beer canning business, you not only protect your team and assets but also establish a foundation for reliable production and the trust of your consumers.

The process of filling

Another advantage of beer canning is that it is faster to fill a can than it is to fill a bottle, not just because of the wide opening of the can but also because the process relies on more automation. With this, you can save time and produce more of your product, therefore satisfying the demand of your customers with hardly any effort.

The cost of storage and distribution

Here’s another thing that puts beer canning a step above bottling: the cost of storage and distribution. It is likely that you don’t have much space in your facility for storing your product, and everyone knows that beer cans are much more easily stacked than beer bottles. In fact, stacking beer bottles is virtually impossible unless you use cases, which comes as another extra expense. Beer cans have thinner walls than beer bottles, and they have a uniform cylindrical shape, and all this makes them easier to store in your warehouse or facility. If you want to invest in good quality materials, visit Verde for all your business needs.

Also, when it comes to distribution, beer cans are easier to distribute than beer bottles – and less costly as well. Aluminium cans are very lightweight compared to glass bottles, and since bottles will usually weigh 7.5oz more than cans, you will be faced with higher costs for transport and distribution. Beer cans are a lot more durable and sturdy than beer bottles as there is no chance that they will break, making the process of distribution much easier and less of a hassle.

Lastly, consider the taste. Since cans are opaque, no light can get in and affect the taste of your brew – similarly, since beer cans are appropriately and hermetically sealed, there is no chance of any oxygen getting in, which can further contaminate the taste and integrity of your beer.