New survey on beer packaging: the first empirical data on transport distances

Transport distances are an important factor for evaluating the environmental characteristics of packaging. Now for the first time GVM delivers empirical, representative data. The result: distribution ways of beer and beer-based mixed drinks in refillable bottles are longer than expected.

According to the GVM survey on behalf of GDA the transport distance from brewery to household of beer and beer-based mixed drinks in refillable bottles averages out at 210 kilometres. 37 percent of the bottles cover rather short distances of up to 100 kilometres, about 45 percent make a 101 to 400 kilometres long way and still more than 17 percent cover long distances over 400 kilometres. GVM’s results are based on representative consumer data of the GfK Group.

“The results show that a relevant number of beer and beer-based mixed drinks make long journeys to arrive at consumers’ homes, indeed more often than expected. The multi-regional consumption of beer is no exception anymore. Numerous brands are distributed even nationwide“, says Welf Jung, spokesperson of BCME Germany. “In comparison, the local consumption of beer is less significant than expected.“

The life cycle analysis (LCA) 2010 on behalf of BCME already pointed out the importance of transport distances and other criteria like allocation method and trippage rate as essential factors for the environmental impact of beverage packaging. But since today scientifically proven numbers have been missing. Within the next years the methods of LCAs will be reviewed and further developed. GVM’s data will make an important contribution to this development.

Beverage cans ecologically score on long distances

In 2010 BCME developed different scenario based on the current market conditions and consumer behaviour. The analysis showed that long distribution distances lead to ecological benefits for beverage cans. Its form guarantees efficient space utilization in trucks and therefore more litres of beverages can be shipped at once. In combination with their light weight beverage cans help cutting down CO2 emissions. Furthermore they can be handed back nationwide which minimizes assortment and logistics. Uwe Stoffels, also spokesperson of BCME Germany: “We are looking forward to the empirical adjustment of analysis criteria on the ecological impact of beverage packaging. Consumer behaviour strongly changed in the last years and thereby the whole market. The eco performance of beverage packaging depends on the consumption situation and transport distance. Blanket statements on the environmental compatibility do not make sense anymore.“

Sourcee:
BCME Press Office