Brau Union Österreich strives to work on more sustainability throughout the entire company. The initiatives go along the entire value chain and beyond. Partnering with sustainable organizations is one thing. A 100% sustainable beer production, using renewable energy, is another example. All of this makes the company a global pioneer in sustainability.
The next step: sustainable labels
Gösser is taking further steps into climate and environment protection: the packaging is now 100% PCR material for an optimal combination with cut-andstack paper labels. The raw material is 100% postconsumer wastepaper, regionally collected and sorted. The fiber pulp is produced while cleaning, sorting, de-inking and bleaching magazine and newspaper waste. The paper CO2 footprint is 20% less, compared to standard label papers produced from virgin wood fibers. In addition to the reuse of the pulp within the supply chain, the need for virgin paper manufacturing has been drastically reduced.
Not a walk in the park
Our plant in Cluj, Romania was facing two challenges. Develop and assure a good and constant printability of the surface of the label was one of them. Efficient runnability on the finishing lines was another challenge. The implementation during ongoing operations was also challenging: the test procedure implies that the recycled labels have to be checked for the appropriate amount and temperature of glue, the application after dry-out and UV resistancy. The solution was a special technical process implemented in cooperation with us. This made it 100% recycled paper with immediate effect.
CO2 and water reduction
As a result, the consumption of CO2 will be reduced by 20% per year. On top of that, the use of water in production will be cut by roughly 40%.
“The quality convinces us and is particularly sustainable for the environment, as it allows us to preserve 1,000 trees per year.” Magne Setnes, Chairman of the Board of Management at Brau Union Österreich
