Charlotte Breweries Innovate Recycling Solutions to Combat Plastic Waste

Charlotte Breweries Tackle Plastic Waste with Innovative Recycling Partnership

In the bustling city of Charlotte, a fantastic partnership is brewing, and it’s not just about crafting delicious craft beers. Local breweries are stepping up to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste, and their solution is both clever and sustainable. Thanks to a unique collaboration with a nonprofit, breweries have found a way to recycle the infamous PakTech plastic handles that hold beer cans together.

The Plastic Problem

When you grab a cold can of beer, ever wonder what happens to those plastic handles? While they may not end up in your drink, these little pieces can create big problems. PakTech, a company based in Eugene, Oregon, produces the handles from recycled plastic, but unfortunately not every city has the capacity to recycle them. In Mecklenburg County, for instance, curbside bins can’t take PakTechs, leaving many craft breweries in a bit of a pickle. These eco-conscious brewers, however, weren’t about to let a mountain of plastic waste accumulate in the landfill.

Innovation Barn to the Rescue

Enter the Innovation Barn, situated in a repurposed horse stable in the Belmont neighborhood of Charlotte. This nonprofit isn’t just sitting pretty; it’s on a mission to foster sustainable businesses and projects. The executive director, Amy Aussieker, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the recycling process works. “Once the plastic gets here, it’s not just thrown in a bin. We shred it into tiny pieces called ‘flake’,” she explains, showcasing Sterilite bins full of vibrant colored chips.

The Recycling Process

These chips of recycled plastic are a sight to behold! Each bin holds a different color: mauve, green, and even peach. It’s like an arts and crafts project gone wild! The flake is then poured into a powerful machine that melts it down and molds it into a variety of new products. “Last week, I just made a bench,” says Aussieker, showing off a vibrant plastic brick made from PakTech materials. “These can be used for tiny homes or even sheds!”

A Growing Partnership

This remarkable partnership took flight back in early 2022, when Nils Weldy from the Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance (CIBA) contacted the Innovation Barn about a similar recycling program on the West Coast. Since then, breweries like Free Range, Birdsong, and Divine Barrel have regularly delivered their used PakTechs. In fact, Aussieker estimates that over 83,000 handles have found their way to the barn!

Community Support

These breweries are committed to being good neighbors. “We want to reduce our footprint and do as much positive as we can,” says James Amato, sales manager at Divine Barrel. This community spirit has led to not only recycling plastics but also exploring other sustainable practices. Since July 2023, breweries have dropped off more than 8,000 polypropylene malt-storage bags, benefiting both the environment and local businesses.

The Creative Use of Recycled Materials

So what else is the Innovation Barn up to? Donated used T-shirts are getting a second life as cozy dog beds, which Divine Barrel cleverly use as sound-absorbing panels in their taproom. Talk about creativity! As Aussieker says, “What’s amazing about partnerships like this is that they inspire further collaboration and innovation.”

What’s Next?

This program not only enhances environmental responsibility — it also makes for an exciting future for both breweries and the community. Will we see PakTech shed kits on the shelves soon? Or maybe more innovative recycling ideas coming out of the barn? Only time will tell! One thing’s for sure, though: Charlotte breweries are leading the charge in sustainability.

So, next time you enjoy a refreshing brew, remember that great things are happening behind the scenes to keep our city clean and green. Cheers to that!