It’s more than convenient to have a bit of plastic with you
Emmerald swept into the Cask industry just over 2 years ago with their unique, reusable GreenCask and GreenKeg. After experiencing their busiest quarter in August 2016, the company are now supplying over 200 breweries in the UK with their reusable, plastic Casks.
Is this move from steel to plastic set to continue? It would seem in the case of Emmerald, the answer is yes. Their impressive market growth is not only restricted to the UK says Sales and Marketing Director Greg Whitehorne. “Since moving our manufacturing facilities to Ireland and opening our distribution centre in the UK we are seeing an increasing market emerge for our plastic Casks and Kegs in Ireland, USA and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. The Craft Brewing sector is a very close knit community, so word of mouth from our existing customers is proving key to our expansion. This can only be achieved if the servicing product we supply is first class.”
Why are more and more breweries choosing plastic over steel?
The plastic Keg and cask may not be the familiar shiny vessel we are used seeing. This colourful, bold, brash newcomer is becoming an attractive alternative for breweries who are as committed to sustainability, reliability as well as the environment and cost savings.
Extensive testing, under extreme conditions, including; handling, temperature, taste, pressure, tamper, fire and freezing meant the Emmerald GreenCask and GreenKeg had to meet exhaustive industry standards to become the product it is today. So much so it carries the industry 7 year minimum warranty. The plastic Cask and Keg has come a long way and definitely meets the needs of todays brewer. It is as durable as its counterpart and the inner bottle keeps the beer in good condition. There it seems, is where the similarities end.
Plastic Casks and Kegs are proving to be more durable than steel. Brewers no longer need to repair battle worn, damaged Casks and Kegs. And with zero theft value, the Cask is allowed on its regular journey from the brewer to the bar, to the drinker and back to the brewer unhindered. It’s also lighter, a big plus when you look at handling and transportation. Noise reduction also plays a big part when moving the containers around both in house and on deliveries – No more complaints about the noise when delivering. Breweries using the GreenCask and GreenKeg say it definitely is more viable for them and their customers to use; environmentally, economically and socially. “With a quick turnaround, delivery and a great finance option we were able to put our new stock to use very quickly and expand our supply to our growing customer base.” says Phil Kemp, Fyne Ales.
There’s no mistaking it’s yours.
With the recent introduction of custom brewery branding and colour options available with the Emmerald GreenCask and GreenKeg there will be no mistaking who the containers belong to. Together with Cask and Keg finance options, Emmerald are constantly working to offer breweries greater choice and flexibility. “It’s great to see breweries expanding and benefiting from the hard work Emmerald have put into our R&D and the manufacturing of our products. “ says Greg Whitehorne. “Brewers are saving up to 35% on the steel equivalent, giving brewers of all sizes the opportunity to expand and explore different routes to Market with the benefits and savings gained when using plastic Cask and kegs.” This is interesting times for The Craft Brewing sector. One thing is for sure our industry continues to evolve and deliver exciting products and innovations.
ENDS
Photo: Tyne Bank Brewery. Newcastle Upon Tyne
Contacts:
Greg Whitehorne. Sales and Marketing Director. +44(0)7970 202071 Email: gregw@emmerald.com
Mel Macnab . Interim Marketing Manager. +44(0)7496 996871 mel@emmerald.com
