Beer Cans vs. Bottles: What’s Right for Your Brewery?

Some people enjoy beer in a cup. Meanwhile, others like cracking open a cold one and relaxing. But does it matter if a brew comes in a can or a bottle? The question has been a recurring topic of discussion in the brewing community for years.

While both forms of packaging unquestionably have their benefits, they also carry their unique challenges. Learning the key differences between cans and bottles will help you make an informed decision on which is right for your brewery.

Freshness and Flavor Preservation

Cans have a tighter seal than bottles, preventing oxygen from entering and affecting the quality. Oxygen interacts with beer compounds, resulting in off-flavors and a stale taste through a process known as oxidation. This issue is particularly prevalent in bottled beers, where the cap-to-bottle seal may not be as effective as a can’s seal in preventing air entrance.

Portability and Convenience

While cans are generally more portable and convenient, it's also important to consider that glass bottles have certain benefits in these aspects as well. Some beer enthusiasts also find opening a bottle with an opener to be a satisfying part of the experience. Bottles also tend to be more resistant to temperature fluctuations. This means a glass bottle might keep a beer cooler for longer.

Environmental Impact

There are important factors to consider when assessing the environmental impact of both packaging options. While aluminum is highly recyclable, the initial process of extracting and refining this metal is energy intensive and has a significant environmental impact.

Glass bottles are also recyclable, and glass production doesn't involve strip-mining or producing toxic waste. If returned, reused, and recycled, glass bottles can have a lower environmental impact than cans.

Branding Opportunities

Bottles provide a traditional and premium aesthetic that some beer enthusiasts find appealing. The use of embossing premium materials like foil can elevate the look and feel of a beer bottle, adding to its perceived value. Caps for bottles also offer a creative space for branding.

A can’s 360-degree canvas can display vibrant, eye-catching designs, storytelling, and even interactive elements like QR codes. This can boost customer engagement, offering more than just a beer but an entire brand experience.

From a brewer’s perspective, microbrewery equipment often favors canning due to its cost efficiency and streamlined production process. Determining which is right for your brewery between cans and bottles is a multifaceted decision. This is because it involves considering practicality and the brewer's branding strategy and tastes.

As the craft beer industry landscape evolves, the dialogue surrounding this topic continues to change. Whether you encase your beer in aluminum or glass, the goal remains the same: to allow customers to savor and appreciate the flavor and joy that every sip provides.