Utah brewery switches from glass to aluminum

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, a Utah brewery is putting its brews in aluminum cans rather than traditional glass bottles.

Park City Brewery in Park City is making the switch, despite having been in business for only a little more than three months. Co-founder and sales manager Hud Knight claims the decision was made in part due to the company's nascent success.

"We're in Maxwell's where we launched our beer, Jupiter Bowl, the Boneyard, the Cabin on Main, Glenwild Country Club," Knight said.

The other reason for the switch is the brewery's dedication to the environment. One reason for its success is its brand marketing that puts an emphasis on environmental issues. The brewery is so devoted, in fact, that its slogan is "Preserve Nature's Playground" -- a slogan that is printed on every can.

Knight also attributes to the decision on not just the sustainability of aluminum cans compared to glass bottles but also the fact that aluminum is much easier to recycle in Utah than glass.

"In Utah especially, recycling glass is pretty tough," he said. "You can get aluminum recycling curbside here in park city and so it's a lot easier and it's more efficient."

Aluminum isn't just good for the business, either. Storing beer in aluminum cans is much better for its quality.

"They have longer shelf life, they don't have UV breakdown that you get with bottles," Knight explained. "Obviously it's a better seal and of course they're recyclable."

The brewery, which opened in late February, is doing quite well for itself. Jeremy Ray, one of the company's brewers, said making the transition from glass to aluminum was not challenging. Making beer, on the other hand, is a different story.

"The most difficult thing for me as brewmaster was learning how to brew the 4% beer," Ray said.

In addition to recycling cans, the brewery recycles its spent grain, giving it to local farmers.

"The cattle literally come running when they see that white container come out," Knight said.

Knight is also planning on giving its leftover yeast to local golf courses to use as fertilizer.

Park City Brewery is one of the thousands of breweries across the United Stats. Breweries are so common, in fact, that most Americans live within 10 miles of a local brewery.