Rocky Ridge Brewing Co is an independent, family-owned business that is committed to brewing better beer while actively taking care of the planet. Through movements like the Greener Pastures initiative, they strive for a sustainable future, with a dedication to renewable energy, water reuse and industry best practices (source).
The Challenge
Waste is an issue for the brewing industry, especially when it comes to the role packaging plays in the footprint of an average brewing operation. This is why Rocky Ridge has made a conscious effort to switch to more sustainable packaging. Their packaging is as environmentally sustainable as possible; their cartons are made from 100% sustainably sourced cardboard, their four pack holders are made of sugar cane pulp and are 100% biodegradable, they use cans over glass as aluminium is 100% recyclable, and lighter for transportation than glass is, taking up 40% less space and less than half of the CO2 emissions in transport (source).
The Solution
Working with BioPak and switching to the four pack biocane beer ring holder was an easy choice for the brewery. “For us, we made the switch because it’s the right thing to do, and while there wasn’t huge pressure from our customers, we are actively removing plastic from our supply chain at every possible step. We firmly believe that reducing plastic waste to landfill is the responsibility of all manufacturers,” according to Hamish Coates at Rocky Ridge.
“We love the idea behind these four packs, they fit with our sustainability brand and ethos perfectly. We can’t wait to see widespread adoption of these and hope to see them being used across Australia and the world.”
Rocky Ridge uses 750,000 4-pack beer can holders annually
Rocky Ridge uses around 750,000 4-pack can handles a year, he said. By choosing sustainable packaging, they avoid 8 tonnes of plastic, offset 17 tonnes of carbon, and divert 3 tonnes of waste from landfill every year.
BioPak compostable BioCane beer rings are plastic-free, made from rapidly-renewable sugarcane pulp, a by-product of the sugar refining industry, and certified home compostable (AS5810). These beer rings are plastic-free and less expensive than plastic beer rings. Save the world while saving money!
*Header image courtesy of Rocky Ridge Brewing Co
