Brewing sustainability: from passion to action

Independent Australian brewer Tribe Breweries and global compressed air solutions provider KAESER Compressors operate in different industries but have one thing in common. A shared passion for environmental stewardship.

Both the businesses are committed to reducing their environmental footprint and championing sustainable practices.

From implementing strategies to curb emissions to pursuing B-Corp certification and exploring renewable energy sources like solar power, Tribe Breweries aims to set the standard for ecological performance in its industry.

In their shared pursuit of sustainability, KAESER Compressors and Tribe Breweries are focused on safeguarding the planet for future generations.

By prioritising energy efficiency and embracing innovative technologies, KAESER aims to minimise energy consumption in compressed air systems, complementing Tribe’s efforts to conserve water, reduce waste and promote eco-friendly brewing practices.

Within Tribe Breweries’ production process, compressed air plays a vital role in various stages of beer brewing.

From aerating the wort to facilitating fermentation, compressed air provides optimal conditions for yeast growth and fermentation. It also air-powers critical machinery such as bottle fillers, canning lines and kegging equipment.

In 2018, KAESER Australia installed a comprehensive compressed air system at Tribe Breweries’ Goulburn facility, comprising a CSG 55 compressor, SECTOEC TD61 refrigeration dryer, a 3000-litre receiver, and KAESER filters. With the brewer expanding its production capacity, the compressed air requirements increased. Last year, another CSG 55 compressor, dryer and filters were integrated into the existing system, effortlessly accommodating the brewery’s growing needs.

KAESER’s CSG oil-free rotary screw compressors are designed to deliver clean air that meets stringent ISO 22000 standards, to ensure the integrity and purity of the brewing process. The oil-free design aims to ensure that compressed air remains free from contaminants, making them suitable for applications where air quality is of utmost importance.

Paired with the CSG55 compressor, the SECOTEC refrigeration dryer plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the compressed air supply. Using a modern and greenhouse-friendly refrigerant, R-513A, the SECOTEC dryer removes moisture from the compressed air stream, preventing corrosion and contamination in downstream equipment. Additionally, the KAESER filters, rated to ISO 8573-1 standards, are designed to remove contaminants such as oil, water and particulates. The compact design and intelligent control system aim to offer optimal performance while minimising energy consumption.

When asked about the decision to invest in KAESER Compressors, Tribe Breweries’ Asset Care Team Leader, Piers Watson, said, “We were completely satisfied with the first KAESER system, so it made perfect sense to stick with them.

“The second system seamlessly integrated with the existing setup, expanding our compressed air capacity to meet our growing demands. The obvious benefits were there, so we didn’t have to think too hard about it. The decision made itself, really.”