Beer Production in Bulgaria is Becoming More Environmentally Friendly

Green innovations in the brewing sector in our country help to improve the sustainable development and eco-footprint of the industry. Thanks to the modernization of breweries in the country, for the past 20 years the average water consumption for the production of hectoliter (100 liters) of finished beer has decreased by almost 5 times, from 15 to 20 hectoliters of 3 - 5 hectoliters / 1 hectoliter of beer.

As an extremely valuable resource, optimizing the use of water and energy is a leading pride for every beer maker. Compared to 2014, brewers, members of the CBS, reported a reduction in water use of 4-6% on average, with the aim of becoming more and more sustainable. Data show that for the last 4 years the average electricity consumption for the production of 1 hectoliter of beer also decreased by 8%.

At the same time, large breweries are striving for 100% biological treatment of wastewater and generally introduce the so-called " "Circular economy" with innovative "green" solutions, announced the Brewers Union in Bulgaria. Bio-anaerobic sewage treatment plants have already been put into operation, achieving over 80% of the industrial water used. Investing in anaerobic reactors also allows for the production of biogas as a byproduct that can be used as an alternative fuel to sustain the production needs of breweries.

Reducing the ecological footprint of breweries in Bulgaria was discussed during the annual General Assembly of the members of the Brewers Union. Also presented were economic data for the industry as well as the overall activity of the association.

For the year 2018, the total investment of all members of the union is 46 million leva, while for the period 2016-2018 their investments in fixed assets exceed 130 million leva....