Microbreweries and labels: a green and economic solution

The labels, applied to the bottles, have been always considered an integral part of the product itself.

We do not consider them as a simple rectangle of paper that contains some useful information; on the contrary, they have become a real marketing tool able to communicate their identity and enhance the image of the brand.

An example are the bottles of beer, especially of craft-beers, which make use of graphics and artists to give voice to the personality of their brand.

Have you ever drunk an Elav craft-beer (www.elavbrewery.com)? Its alternative labels fully reflect the spirit of the brewery!

And what about the “historical” labels of the Lambrate Brewery, strictly printed on recycled paper?

And the funny and colorful labels of Lost Coast beers? Unforgettable, funny, gritty and sunny, just like the guys in California can be.

But on the other side of the Pacific Ocean Japanese breweries do not miss this creative opportunity and here are some interesting labels of the Kikuchi brewery where the owl, fukurou in Japanese, also means no hassle, no difficulty in addition to being considered a powerful lucky charm…

In a few words, for microbreweries that want to give rein to their creativity , the traditional labeling remains the most used, and sometimes the easiest to accomplish.

A computer, a dedicated software, a printer, a bit of paper, some glue are enough… But are you really sure that this is the most beneficial method to make your own labels?

We do not think so.

There is a more economical and environmentally friendly marking system: it is called laser engraving and comprises etching directly your own graphics onto the glass bottle.

Same glamourous result, zero impact on the environment: with laser engraving, in fact, there are less wastes, less chemicals, less paper consumption in circulation.

Have you ever happened to hand a bottle of Rogue beer (www.rogue.com)? Their engraved labels are masterpieces that deserve to be collected!

And the savings?

The glass etching allows to reduce the costs associated with the shipping of the labels and their disposal.Possible objection: “Ok , but what about the cost of engraving?”

It is true, as long as it is covered by the intelligent system of “returnable” (the return of empty bottles). With small incentives, in fact, the microbreweries may encourage the consumer to return the empty bottles, as well as not having to produce every time new.

Beer producers buy 10,000 bottles and keep on filling those ones. The laser-etched label is made only once, and the costs, associated with the removal of old labels and the application of new ones, is completely eliminated: maximum cost optimization and zero environmental impact.

Really a great opportunity, do not you think?