Fuerst Wiacek, a Berlin brewery, is gaining attention for its innovative sustainability practices. The brewery, which has been operating for three years, uses rooftop solar panels to help power its beermaking process. In addition to this, they also feed spent grain to local cows and sell their beer in tins rather than bottles. This commitment to sustainability has set Fuerst Wiacek apart in the craft beer industry, with their high-quality IPAs and traditional German beers gaining popularity both locally and internationally. The brewery also aims to expand its use of renewable energy by increasing the number of solar panels on their rooftop.
One unique aspect of Fuerst Wiacek’s sustainability efforts is their partnership with a local Berlin farmer who picks up the spent grain used in brewing and feeds it to his cows. This practice not only helps reduce waste but also provides a nutritious and sustainable food source for the animals. The farmer, Christoph Brundke, noted that the cows eagerly await their weekly delivery of spent grain from the brewery, showcasing the positive impact of this collaboration. In addition to this, the brewery sources a significant amount of its power from solar energy. While it may not be enough to power the entire operation, the use of solar panels helps to balance out the energy sources and reduce the brewery’s carbon footprint.
Fuerst Wiacek takes pride in producing beer that is completely natural, free from preservatives and chemicals. Each batch of beer undergoes rigorous testing to ensure quality and freshness, with a shelf life of less than six months. Despite their commitment to quality, the brewery also focuses on innovation and collaboration, releasing at least one new beer per week and collaborating with other companies. This approach has helped Fuerst Wiacek expand its reach globally, with exports to 34 countries. The brewery’s beers are easily recognizable by their quirky design and unique packaging in tins, which are chosen for their environmental benefits. By selling their beer in tins, Fuerst Wiacek reduces the weight of shipping and takes advantage of the high recycling rate of aluminium in Germany.
The decision to sell beer in tins rather than bottles is a conscious choice by Fuerst Wiacek to minimize their environmental impact and promote sustainability. Tins are lighter than glass bottles, reducing the weight and emissions associated with shipping. Additionally, aluminium tins are infinitely recyclable, with a higher recycling rate in Germany compared to glass. This aligns with the brewery’s overall commitment to environmentally friendly practices, from using rooftop solar panels to feeding spent grain to local cows. By focusing on sustainability and innovation, Fuerst Wiacek is setting a new standard in the craft beer industry and demonstrating that environmentally conscious practices can go hand in hand with quality and success in business.
Overall, Fuerst Wiacek’s dedication to sustainability sets it apart as a leader in the craft beer industry. From using rooftop solar panels to power their operations to feeding spent grain to local cows and selling beer in recyclable tins, the brewery’s commitment to environmental stewardship is commendable. Through their innovative practices and high-quality beers, Fuerst Wiacek has gained a loyal following both locally and internationally. By prioritizing sustainability, the brewery is not only reducing its own carbon footprint but also setting an example for others in the industry to follow. With plans to expand their use of renewable energy and continue collaborating with other companies, Fuerst Wiacek is poised for continued success while remaining true to their values of environmental responsibility.
