Breweries across the country are feeling the pressure of rising CO₂ prices and unpredictable supply. As carbonation and packaging demands increase, many operations are searching for reliable, cost‑effective alternatives. One solution gaining momentum is the strategic use of nitrogen (N₂) to offset CO₂ consumption without compromising product quality.
Why CO₂ Costs Are Rising in the Brewing Industry
CO₂ is essential for carbonation, purging, packaging, and maintaining product integrity. However, breweries have faced:
- Higher CO₂ prices due to supply chain disruptions
- Regional shortages impacting production schedules
- Increased demand from other industries
- Transportation and storage cost spikes
These challenges have pushed breweries to explore alternative gases that can support operations without sacrificing quality.
How Nitrogen Can Reduce CO₂ Usage in Brewing
Nitrogen is an abundant, stable, and cost‑effective gas that can replace CO₂ in several brewing processes. While it cannot fully replace CO₂ for carbonation, it can significantly reduce overall consumption.
1. Purging Tanks and Lines with Nitrogen
Breweries often use CO₂ to purge oxygen from tanks, hoses, and kegs. Nitrogen can perform the same function at a fraction of the cost.
Benefits:
- Lower CO₂ usage
- Reduced oxygen exposure
- More consistent purging results
2. Using Nitrogen for Pressure Transfers
Breweries often use CO₂ to purge oxygen from tanks, hoses, and kegs. Nitrogen can perform the same function at a fraction of the cost.
Why it works:
- Nitrogen is inert
- It maintains pressure without dissolving into the beer.
- It reduces CO₂ loss during transfers.
3. Nitrogen-Assisted Packaging
In canning and bottling lines, nitrogen can replace CO₂ for headspace purging and pressure control.
Results:
- Lower CO₂ consumption
- Improved shelf stability
- Reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) pickup
3. Nitrogen for Draft Systems
Many breweries already use nitrogen blends for draft beer. Expanding nitrogen use in taprooms can further reduce CO₂ demand.
Cost Savings: How Much Can Breweries Expect?
While savings vary by operation size, breweries typically reduce CO₂ usage by 20–40% when integrating nitrogen into purging, transfers, and packaging.
Additional savings come from:
- Lower gas purchase costs
- Reduced downtime from CO₂ shortages
- More predictable supply and pricing
Quality and Flavour: Does Nitrogen Change the Beer?
Nitrogen does not dissolve into beer the way CO₂ does, which is why it’s ideal for non-carbonation tasks. When used correctly:
- Flavour remains unchanged.
- Carbonation levels stay consistent.
- Oxygen exposure is minimised.
Nitrogen is already widely used in the industry, from nitro stouts to draft systems, proving its reliability and safety.
On-Site Nitrogen Generation: The Next Step in Cost Control
Many breweries are now installing on‑site nitrogen generators to eliminate dependence on gas deliveries. Benefits include:
- Stable, unlimited nitrogens supply
- Lower long-term operating costs
- No storage or delivery fees
- Reduced environment impact
This approach gives breweries full control over their gas supply and dramatically reduces CO₂ reliance.
Is Nitrogen Right for Your Brewery?
If your brewery is experiencing:
- High CO₂ costs
- Supply shortages
- Production delays
- Rising packaging expenses
…then integrating nitrogen into your operations may be one of the most effective ways to stabilise costs and improve efficiency.
Nitrogen Generation Solutions for Breweries
Our nitrogen generation systems are engineered to support the unique demands of modern brewing operations. Built for applications like tank blanketing, line purging, pressure transfers, and packaging, our generators deliver a consistent, high‑purity supply of nitrogen that protects beer quality at every stage of production. By providing on‑demand nitrogen for purging fermenters, brite tanks, kegs, cans, and bottles, our systems help breweries reduce CO₂ consumption, minimise oxygen pickup, and maintain the flavour stability and freshness your beer deserves.
