Brewing beer is an energy-intensive process that requires the input of CO2 for processes like purging oxygen, carbonation, packaging, etc. At the same time, brewing naturally produces CO₂, particularly during fermentation, when yeast converts sugar into alcohol and CO₂. So, why purchase CO₂ when we produce it ourselves?
For several years, Duvel Moortgat has been working on solutions to recover CO₂ emissions instead of releasing this gas into the atmosphere. In 2024, we optimized our state-of-the-art recovery systems at our main brewery in Puurs and opened a new installation at Firestone Walker.
Both installations capture biogenic CO₂ released during fermentation to reuse it in our bottling and packaging processes. At Firestone Walker, this helps offset around 85% of the CO₂ we would otherwise purchase.
We are still learning and refining the technology, but the impact is already clear. This carbon circularity is a key step in making our brewing more sustainable.