CO2 Brasserie: accessible, sustainable, high-performance innovation at the heart of the brewing industry
In the age of ecological transition and the need to control costs, the brewing industry is faced with a dual challenge: to reduce its environmental footprint while optimizing its production processes. This is where W Platform subsidiary CO2 Brasserie comes in with a major innovation: the Micro CO2 Box. Suitable for breweries producing between 1,000 and 10,000 hectolitres a year, this solution captures, purifies, compresses and stores the CO2 produced by alcoholic fermentation - transforming a wasted by-product into a valuable and economically profitable resource.
CO2 Brewing: an economic and ecological asset for brewers
In the brewing sector, the purchase of CO2 of fossil origin represents a considerable burden, both economically and environmentally. On average, a brewery produces as much CO2 as it consumes, yet without a system for capturing and recovering it, this gas escapes into the air, forcing producers to resort to often costly external supplies. According to Jean Olivier Rieusset, a consultant to companies in the brewing sector, CO2 consumption can account for more than 3 % of the cost price of a beer. The need to control these costs and reduce long-distance transport - which generates additional emissions - is prompting more and more breweries to look for self-supply solutions.
With this in mind, CO2 Brasserie offers an innovative, affordable solution that promotes a circular economy and limits the environmental impact of the brewing business.
By recovering fermentative CO2 and reintegrating it into manufacturing processes, this technology helps to secure supply while reducing the costs associated with external gas purchases.
Micro CO2 BOX: reinvention and vision for the future
Initially successfully deployed in the wine sector under the name CO2 Winery, CO2 capture and recovery technology quickly demonstrated its potential. However, when it was launched on the brewery market in 2023, it became clear that the initial CO2 Box offering was essentially geared to the needs of large breweries.
In an interview broadcast on the Inter'Brew podcast, Salon du Brasseur studio, Matthieu Planté, co-founder of CO2 Brasserie, details the challenges and successes encountered in launching the Micro CO2 Box. He recalls: "After launching our offer based on the CO2 Box, we quickly realized that it met the needs of breweries producing more than 10,000 hectoliters, but that this did not represent the majority of brewers in France. As a result, we faced a number of disappointments last year. To avoid repeating this mistake at the start of 2024, we launched the Micro CO2 Box, adapted to small structures producing between 1,500 and 10,000 hectolitres."
This reinvention, the fruit of a collective effort and careful attention to market needs, testifies to the adaptability and innovative spirit of the W Platform team in offering a simple, effective and economical technology.
The team's enthusiasm and the recognition given by the Brassinov trophy testify to the relevance of this innovation. For Matthieu Planté, this first distinction in the brewing sector is "real recognition, the fruit of our engineers' labors, and proof that innovation can transform challenges into opportunities."
This reinvention of the tool testifies to the adaptability and innovative spirit of the W Platform team.
The Micro CO2 Box is thus positioned as a tailor-made solution for the majority of French breweries, providing a rapid return on investment and autonomy in the management of fermentative CO2.
Operation and technical specifications of the micro CO2 Box
The Micro CO2 Box combines precision engineering and ease of use to offer a complete CO2 recovery solution. Here's how the process works:
1. Capture at source
The system is installed directly at the outlet of the fermentation tanks, behind specially modified valves. This continuous capture allows CO2 to be recovered as soon as it is emitted, guaranteeing maximum efficiency in gas collection.
2. Analysis and quality control
A crucial aspect of this technology is the on-line analysis of the recovered CO2. Thanks to sophisticated sensors, the Micro CO2 Box monitors the quality of the gas in real time, ensuring that it reaches a purity level of at least 99 % - or even 99.9 % on request. This food-grade quality is essential for reusing CO2 in sensitive applications such as drum inerting, packaging or carbonation.
3. Dry, purify and filter
The CO2, which is initially very moist, is then conveyed to a drying system. It is purified and filtered using activated carbons to eliminate odors, and bacterial filters to prevent contamination. This process ensures that the CO2 is not only of the highest quality, but also complies with health requirements. As Matthieu Planté explains, "It's a simple process, but a highly effective one.
4. Compression and storage
After purification, the gas is compressed and can be stored at pressures of at least 8 bar, with an injection capacity varying between 12 and 50 kg of CO2 per day, depending on the size of the installation. This modular storage system enables breweries to adjust their use according to their needs, whether for keg inerting, bottle filling or beer carbonation.
5. Multiple valuations
The CO2 thus recovered has many applications in the brewing process. It can be used for :Inerting drums and bottles to preserve product quality.
Optimize packaging and transfer during bottling operations.
Carbonation beer on its own.
Managing water gasificationwhich improves tank rinsing and contributes to water savings of up to 50 %.
Beyond technology and performance
The Micro CO2 Box is not only a technological innovation, it also represents a real economic lever for breweries. With an entry price of around 25,000 euros - and the possibility of opting for a rental system equivalent to the budget usually allocated to the purchase of external CO2 - this solution offers a rapid return on investment. The external cost of CO2, including delivery and transport costs, places a considerable burden on a brewery's bottom line.
By substituting the purchase of fossil CO2 for self-supply via recycled CO2, producers can significantly reduce their production costs while minimizing their carbon footprint - a major advantage, given that CO2 consumption accounts for a significant proportion of a beer's cost price.
In addition, self-supply of CO2 guarantees continuity of production. In a market where supply disruptions are not uncommon, having one's own capture and recovery system is a major asset in securing day-to-day business.
Salon du Brasseur 2024: CO2 Brasserie wins innovation trophy
The dynamism of the brewing industry in terms of innovation was particularly highlighted at the Salon du Brasseur 2024. The event, which brought together 190 exhibitors - including 40 % foreign companies from 17 countries - was the scene of the Brassinov awards ceremony, dedicated to brewing innovations.
For this fourth edition, 16 innovations were in competition, and 4 products were rewarded by a jury of 10 experts and professionals. CO2 Brasserie, with its Micro CO2 Box, won over the jury thanks to its ability to transform waste into an essential resource, while offering an economical and environmentally-friendly solution. This innovation trophy, described by the organizers as a "fine vintage", is a strong recognition of the work carried out by the engineering team, and confirms the potential of this technology for the entire brewing sector.
A new era for the brewing industry
Recognition at the Salon du Brasseur 2024 and enthusiastic feedback from professionals confirm the positive impact of this innovation: the Micro CO2 Box from CO2 Brasserie marks a decisive turning point in the brewing industry.
By rethinking the way CO2 is managed, CO2 Brasserie is paving the way for more autonomous, environmentally-friendly and economically sustainable production. The proposed technology is part of a vision of the future in which every brewery, whether a microbrewery or a large establishment, can actively contribute to the ecological transition while improving its competitiveness.
To find out more about this revolution in the brewing world, visit the CO2 Brasserie website and discover how this innovation can transform your production, reduce your costs and protect our planet.
This news item is inspired by the article written by Olivier Malcurat, published by Bière Actu on 18/10/2024 and the Inter'Brew podcast produced by Bière Actu, recorded during the Salon du Brasseur.
In the age of ecological transition and the need to control costs, the brewing industry is faced with a dual challenge: to reduce its environmental footprint while optimizing its production processes. This is where W Platform subsidiary CO2 Brasserie comes in with a major innovation: the Micro CO2 Box. Suitable for breweries producing between 1,000 and 10,000 hectolitres a year, this solution captures, purifies, compresses and stores the CO2 produced by alcoholic fermentation - transforming a wasted by-product into a valuable and economically profitable resource.
CO2 Brewing: an economic and ecological asset for brewers
In the brewing sector, the purchase of CO2 of fossil origin represents a considerable burden, both economically and environmentally. On average, a brewery produces as much CO2 as it consumes, yet without a system for capturing and recovering it, this gas escapes into the air, forcing producers to resort to often costly external supplies. According to Jean Olivier Rieusset, a consultant to companies in the brewing sector, CO2 consumption can account for more than 3 % of the cost price of a beer. The need to control these costs and reduce long-distance transport - which generates additional emissions - is prompting more and more breweries to look for self-supply solutions.
With this in mind, CO2 Brasserie offers an innovative, affordable solution that promotes a circular economy and limits the environmental impact of the brewing business.
By recovering fermentative CO2 and reintegrating it into manufacturing processes, this technology helps to secure supply while reducing the costs associated with external gas purchases.
Micro CO2 BOX: reinvention and vision for the future
Initially successfully deployed in the wine sector under the name CO2 Winery, CO2 capture and recovery technology quickly demonstrated its potential. However, when it was launched on the brewery market in 2023, it became clear that the initial CO2 Box offering was essentially geared to the needs of large breweries.
In an interview broadcast on the Inter'Brew podcast, Salon du Brasseur studio, Matthieu Planté, co-founder of CO2 Brasserie, details the challenges and successes encountered in launching the Micro CO2 Box. He recalls: "After launching our offer based on the CO2 Box, we quickly realized that it met the needs of breweries producing more than 10,000 hectoliters, but that this did not represent the majority of brewers in France. As a result, we faced a number of disappointments last year. To avoid repeating this mistake at the start of 2024, we launched the Micro CO2 Box, adapted to small structures producing between 1,500 and 10,000 hectolitres."
This reinvention, the fruit of a collective effort and careful attention to market needs, testifies to the adaptability and innovative spirit of the W Platform team in offering a simple, effective and economical technology.
The team's enthusiasm and the recognition given by the Brassinov trophy testify to the relevance of this innovation. For Matthieu Planté, this first distinction in the brewing sector is "real recognition, the fruit of our engineers' labors, and proof that innovation can transform challenges into opportunities."
This reinvention of the tool testifies to the adaptability and innovative spirit of the W Platform team.
The Micro CO2 Box is thus positioned as a tailor-made solution for the majority of French breweries, providing a rapid return on investment and autonomy in the management of fermentative CO2.
Operation and technical specifications of the micro CO2 Box
The Micro CO2 Box combines precision engineering and ease of use to offer a complete CO2 recovery solution. Here's how the process works:
1. Capture at source
The system is installed directly at the outlet of the fermentation tanks, behind specially modified valves. This continuous capture allows CO2 to be recovered as soon as it is emitted, guaranteeing maximum efficiency in gas collection.
2. Analysis and quality control
A crucial aspect of this technology is the on-line analysis of the recovered CO2. Thanks to sophisticated sensors, the Micro CO2 Box monitors the quality of the gas in real time, ensuring that it reaches a purity level of at least 99 % - or even 99.9 % on request. This food-grade quality is essential for reusing CO2 in sensitive applications such as drum inerting, packaging or carbonation.
3. Dry, purify and filter
The CO2, which is initially very moist, is then conveyed to a drying system. It is purified and filtered using activated carbons to eliminate odors, and bacterial filters to prevent contamination. This process ensures that the CO2 is not only of the highest quality, but also complies with health requirements. As Matthieu Planté explains, "It's a simple process, but a highly effective one.
4. Compression and storage
After purification, the gas is compressed and can be stored at pressures of at least 8 bar, with an injection capacity varying between 12 and 50 kg of CO2 per day, depending on the size of the installation. This modular storage system enables breweries to adjust their use according to their needs, whether for keg inerting, bottle filling or beer carbonation.
5. Multiple valuations
The CO2 thus recovered has many applications in the brewing process. It can be used for :
Beyond technology and performance
The Micro CO2 Box is not only a technological innovation, it also represents a real economic lever for breweries. With an entry price of around 25,000 euros - and the possibility of opting for a rental system equivalent to the budget usually allocated to the purchase of external CO2 - this solution offers a rapid return on investment. The external cost of CO2, including delivery and transport costs, places a considerable burden on a brewery's bottom line.
By substituting the purchase of fossil CO2 for self-supply via recycled CO2, producers can significantly reduce their production costs while minimizing their carbon footprint - a major advantage, given that CO2 consumption accounts for a significant proportion of a beer's cost price.
In addition, self-supply of CO2 guarantees continuity of production. In a market where supply disruptions are not uncommon, having one's own capture and recovery system is a major asset in securing day-to-day business.
Salon du Brasseur 2024: CO2 Brasserie wins innovation trophy
The dynamism of the brewing industry in terms of innovation was particularly highlighted at the Salon du Brasseur 2024. The event, which brought together 190 exhibitors - including 40 % foreign companies from 17 countries - was the scene of the Brassinov awards ceremony, dedicated to brewing innovations.
For this fourth edition, 16 innovations were in competition, and 4 products were rewarded by a jury of 10 experts and professionals. CO2 Brasserie, with its Micro CO2 Box, won over the jury thanks to its ability to transform waste into an essential resource, while offering an economical and environmentally-friendly solution. This innovation trophy, described by the organizers as a "fine vintage", is a strong recognition of the work carried out by the engineering team, and confirms the potential of this technology for the entire brewing sector.
A new era for the brewing industry
Recognition at the Salon du Brasseur 2024 and enthusiastic feedback from professionals confirm the positive impact of this innovation: the Micro CO2 Box from CO2 Brasserie marks a decisive turning point in the brewing industry.
By rethinking the way CO2 is managed, CO2 Brasserie is paving the way for more autonomous, environmentally-friendly and economically sustainable production. The proposed technology is part of a vision of the future in which every brewery, whether a microbrewery or a large establishment, can actively contribute to the ecological transition while improving its competitiveness.
To find out more about this revolution in the brewing world, visit the CO2 Brasserie website and discover how this innovation can transform your production, reduce your costs and protect our planet.
This news item is inspired by the article written by Olivier Malcurat, published by Bière Actu on 18/10/2024 and the Inter'Brew podcast produced by Bière Actu, recorded during the Salon du Brasseur.
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