Lerwick Brewery has announced it is switching its entire product range of craft beers from bottles to 440ml cans.
The decision reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability, shifting consumer preferences, and operational efficiencies for the Shetland-based brewery, which will no longer be producing bottled beers.
Canning will be done by Phil Macan, a Glasgow-based supplier to the brewing industry.
A key driver is the reduced carbon footprint associated with cans, compared with bottles. Cans are regarded as more sustainable because aluminium is readily and easily recycled, requiring less energy for the recycling process.
In addition, the shape of cans allows for more efficient stacking, reducing the overall packaging needed, due to the higher volume of liquid held, and optimising transportation. This leads to a lower carbon footprint from distribution.
Graham Mercer, managing director of Lerwick Brewery, said: “We have carefully considered this transition from several angles, and ultimately, it’s the right move for our business and the environment. We believe this is the best way forward and are excited to see the response from our customers.
“The environmental benefits extend beyond recycling. Cans are lighter than glass bottles, leading to reduced fuel consumption during transportation. The compact nature of cans also allows for more efficient storage, minimising wasted space throughout the supply chain.”
He added: “By choosing cans, we are making a tangible commitment to reducing our environmental impact. We are committed to running an efficient brewery and will always try to source our malt from Scotland where possible.
“One of the most important ingredients of beer is water and we are extremely fortunate that Shetland has access to the plentiful crisp, clear local water supply.”
The decision also reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences within the craft beer market. Recent data indicates a growing preference for canned beer, driven by factors such as convenience, portability, and perceptions of improved freshness.
According to statistics from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), cans now account for a greater percentage of their members’ production than bottles.
Mercer said: “We have listened to our customers, and we’ve observed the trends in the wider market. There’s a clear move towards cans, and we want to ensure that we are meeting consumer demand and providing our beers in the format that they prefer.”
Beyond the environmental and consumer considerations, the transition to cans offers practical benefits for the brewery. Cans are less prone to breakage than glass bottles, reducing the risk of damage during transportation and handling. Their stackable design also simplifies storage and display, making them attractive to retailers.
The brewery anticipates that the switch to cans will facilitate wider distribution of its beers, particularly on the mainland. The format aligns with the requirements of more outlets, opening up new opportunities for growth.
“From a logistical perspective, cans offer numerous advantages,” Mercer said. “They are more durable, easier to handle, and take up less space. This improves efficiency throughout our operations.”
“We are hopeful that the move to cans will help us grow our market outside of Shetland. The more compact shape makes them more suited to retailers with less storage, and easier to get to a wider array of distribution channels.”
Lerwick Brewery has also implemented several other sustainable practices throughout its operations. Striving to brew as efficiently as possible and seeking to source its malt from Scotland whenever feasible, the brewery also prides itself on the quality of Shetland water used in their beers, ensuring local ingredients are used as much as possible.
The company also focuses on supporting local businesses, collaborating with local partners to provide locally made food for brewery tours, working with local butchers for reestit mutton giftpacks, and stocking local items in their gift shop, to help stimulate the Shetland economy.
