From Circular to Linear? Assessing the Life Cycle Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Steel and Plastic Beer Kegs

Abstract In the craft brewing industry, kegging solutions have changed dramatically in recent years. While steel kegs once dominated draught beer market, single-use plastic increased popularity due to their convenience, especially sector. With increasing importance of circular economy and introduction policies Europe move away from systems, this study aims assess compare sustainability conventional kegs. The environmental economic performance are assessed through life cycle assessment costing approaches. results suggest that better costs. However, these limited local markets, with larger distances, may become option lower weight, suggesting both useful certain situations. This is important countries long distances between breweries markets. extending lifetime keg fleet also highlighted improve as influenced by assumption on To kegs, efficient closed-loop recycling systems should be developed. Careful decision-making needed ensure more sustainable packaging options chosen for aspects taken into account beyond convenience.