Brewery 85 testing biodegradable six-pack rings

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A Greenville brewery is testing six-pack rings made from plant-based, biodegradable fibers.

Brewery 85 is testing the packing in the Upstate, according to a news release.

The rings are made from by-product waste and compostable material from the brewing process, the release said, and if the rings end up in nature, the product is edible for wildlife or will break down.

Matthew Nesbit, director of production for Brewery 85, introduced the idea last year, the release said. A fisherman and conservationist, Nesbit is a former park ranger.

“It’s frustrating to see the damage that non-recyclables and plastic have on the environment,” Nesbit said in the news release. “It’s especially frustrating to see that happen to wildlife that inhabits our local South Carolina coast and its waterways. When I stumbled on this (idea for biodegradable packaging) it was a no-brainer.”

Brewery 85 partnered with E6PR to test the product on Fishin’ Beer Helles Lager brand. The trial run will be distributed through KW Beverage of Greenville in select Upstate locations, the release said.
“With all of the partnerships that we maintain with local and regional conservation groups as well as our green initiatives onsite here at our facilities, partnering with E6PR to trial these six-pack rings was a logical step for us and our attitude as a company in being mindful keepers of the planet,” Will McCameron, one of the Brewery 85 owners, said in the news release.
“Brewery 85 is already committed to many green initiatives and this is just one more step they have taken to remain environmentally-minded and green-friendly,” the release said.

The grains and waste products from the brewing process are given to Luker Farms, where it is used as livestock feed, the release said. The brewery has was designed with electricity, gas and water conservation efforts in place. The bar at the current taproom and the bar at a new event center being built uses reclaimed wood and brick. The small business uses 100% recycled material in all of its canning and packaging as well, according to the release.