Tucked away in Longmont Colorado, Oskar Blues brewery, which began as a restaurant outside of Boulder in the small town of Lyons a dozen years ago, doesn’t bottle their beer. Instead they store their libations in cans (80%) and kegs (20%).

According to the tour guide, cans require 35% less energy to ship due to decreased weight. In addition, aluminum cans are highly recyclable and easily recycled. Recycled cans use 95% less energy in their manufacture than those produced from bauxite ore, the raw material used to make “virgin” cans. Furthermore, each recycled can saves enough energy to power a standard television set for four hours. Cans also provide an added benefit of being easy to transport (as witnessed by the “Pack in, Pack out” slogan on their can).

Because the seal on a can is tighter than glass there is less chance of the beer spoiling. In addition, cans prevent UV radiation from chemically altering the beer, which is why so many bottled beers have moved to brown glass, which does a better job than clear glass of protecting against the radiation. As with so many other business relationships, location is key. Oskar Blues’ can distributor – Ball – is located close by in Golden, Colorado, home to several other breweries. The proximity allows for a further reduction in energy expenditures.

As part of being a sustainable business, the brewery prides itself on their employees’ happiness. To that end, the free case of beer a week doesn’t hurt. The brewer also collaborates with Imagine, a local organization that works with “people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical, and health related needs so they may live fulfilling lives of independence and quality in their homes and communities.” Oskar Blues employs some of the adults to assemble many of their tchotchkes which are handed out at functions.

- Eric Wilson

[Image source: OskarBlues.com]