AB InBev has rolled out a polymer keg system that keeps beer fresher “up to four times longer than a traditional steel keg”.
The Budweiser and Stella Artois owner has created the PureDraught system through its Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITEC).
Using a custom-moulded, bottle-in-bottle polymer keg, PureDraught allows air or gas to be fed into the outer bottle, which keeps its shape and pushes the beer out of the inner bottle. This innovation prevents any air from touching the beer, allowing it to remain fresh for 30 days after being tapped instead of just a week, AB InBev said.
PureDraught kegs come in 6-litre, 12-litre and 18-litre sizes and can be stored and dispensed upright or on their side.
“For a consumer, PureDraught means a fresh beer experience for up to four times longer, since the first time air or gas touches the beer is when it’s poured into their glass,” said Daniel Ingram, global director of draught capabilities at AB InBev.
“For bar or restaurant owners, PureDraught means no keg deposits, less waste, right-sized products for beers with slower turnover, more efficient storage, and no reverse logistics of returning a keg – they can simply put the used kegs in their local recycling bin, reducing the carbon footprint of the process considerably.”
Rodrigo Sozo, vice president of AB InBev GITEC, added: “PureDraught is a technology that has the potential to transform the consumer experience when enjoying draught beer: superior quality, less carbon footprint and more variety of beers on tap.
“This breakthrough is the result of the vision, passion, resilience and knowledge of our GITEC team – they are our greatest asset and are obsessed with transforming dreams into reality.”
Currently, PureDraught is in use with AB InBev brands in more than six countries, including the US, Mexico, Brazil, China, Italy and South Korea. It also debuted in Colombia and additional areas of Europe, Africa, and Japan earlier this year.