Traditionally, in both wine and beer production, oak casks were used for storage and maturation. In more recent times, stainless steel has become the preferred option. It’s easy to see why. Stainless steel is hard-wearing, easy to sterilise, and doesn’t taint the product.
However, more and more small breweries and wineries are starting to recognise the benefits of polyethylene tanks and the advantages that they offer. One big incentive for craft beer and wine producers is the lower cost of polyethylene tanks compared to stainless steel. For those producers looking to upscale their business cost -effectively, it’s an ideal solution.
Craft Beer Producers
Modern craft breweries have tended towards using stainless steel for all stages of the brewing process, from storing the raw materials, to fermentation, to the wastewater treatment. While polyethylene tanks are unsuitable for the pressurised production stages, they are ideal for use before and after.
Why Should Your Craft Brewery Consider Switching To Polyethylene?
There are four compelling reasons:
- Lower cost: on average, polyethylene tanks save breweries 80% compared to purchasing stainless steel tanks.
- Portability: polyethylene tanks are significantly lighter than stainless steel, making it easier for craft breweries who need to move tanks to meet their plans to scale.
- Scalability: polyethylene tanks are available in a wide range of sizes, from 150 litres to 30,000 litres. When it’s time to expand, you can easily order the size you need.
- Fast delivery: polyethylene tanks can be produced and delivered within 3-4 weeks, compared to the months that many breweries have to wait for stainless steel tanks.
Wineries
Polyethylene tanks are ideal for all stages of the wine production, from transporting the grapes, through to storing the wine during the fermentation process. They offer the same benefits for wineries as for craft breweries and, unlike low-grade plastic tanks, they are more effective at preventing oxygen exposure, protecting the wine from spoiling.
Cider Mills
Cone bottomed polyethylene fermentation tanks are perfect for cider mills. These allow sediment to collect more easily and with the addition of a racking port, the cider can be carefully siphoned off into a secondary tank for further fermentation or storage.
For more information or to talk to one of our experts call us on 01778 562 810.
