Brewery - Milestones - Bottlecleaning

2005: New and innovative bottle cleaning system

The introduction of the new bottle-washing machine reduced freshwater consumption by 85% from 500ml to 80ml per bottle. The industry average is around 300 ml per bottle. Energy consumption sank by around 66%.

In the future this new concept in bottle and barrel cleaning methods will save Ankerbräu 10,000 cubic metres of drinking water, and an equal amount of wastewater. The project, a first for Bavaria, Is being overseen in a technical capacity by the Donauwörth water management authorities and promoted by the government of Bavaria.

Widespread use of this new cleaning concept in Bavarian breweries could lead to a saving of over four million m³ of drinking and wastewater per year.

The system was unveiled to impressed industry onlookers at the international Brau trade fair in Nuremberg. With this major investment 14.5% of turnover coming on top of the construction of the model gentle brewing brewhouse and the implementation of an ecological cogeneration unit, Ankerbräu is underlining its commitment to become one of Germany's most environmentally-conscious breweries.