Canning lines play an essential role in the beer packaging process, offering numerous benefits that are pivotal for a brewery’s operational efficiency, product quality, and also market competitiveness. But it’s also an investment decision that needs consideration, too. 

Canning lines are a key addition to many modern breweries, providing benefits that range from quality preservation and operational efficiency to cost savings and enhanced market presence.

But if you’re thinking of Investing in a canning Line, there are a number of issues worth considering. “If you’ve been brewing for any length of time – and if your business was like most who faced challenges from the COVID-19 global pandemic – you may be thinking about investing in your own canning line to gain some autonomy over the packaging process and the distribution of your product, explains Mike Davis, global can filling product line leader at PneumaticScaleAngelus (PSA).

He says: “Many brewers start with mobile canners or contract packagers and shadow them as a means to learn about the packaging side of the business and get a feel for the process without the pressure of being solely responsible for its success.

“Since COVID, many brewers have evolved their business model and invested in canning equipment, finding the opportunity to reap the advantages: saving time, saving money, and scheduling canning runs on their own timeline rather than someone else’s.

An early customer of PSA’s CB100F system, Dan Kopman, CEO of Heavy Seas Brewery has said that if you’re going to brew your own beer, you should really decide how you’re going to package it before you even brew it. From his perspective, if you spend time making great beer, why would you risk degrading its quality by putting it in the wrong package?

“We agree with that line of thinking, which is why we started designing craft beverage lines, and it’s why we prioritize innovation,” says Davis.
“It’s a big decision to invest in canning machinery, so we partner with each brewery we work with, learning about their production needs and goals, their product mix, and their preferred packaging formats.
“It’s important to also think of the entire line to make sure the canning system is compatible with upstream or downstream equipment.” 

Davis goes on to say that brewers at any stage should focus on their process and make quality, consistency, and repeatability their priorities. No piece of equipment, no matter how robust, can fix a broken process. Brewers need to feel confident in managing their product to allow their canning line to do what it’s designed to do, as well as being aware of the potential impact of any changes they make.

This means understanding variables like the utility supply for carbonation and chilling, the need for space for other packaging machinery like accumulation tables or depalletizers, and the available space for supplies, finished goods, and shipping.

And, of course, hygiene is key. Since craft beer is typically not pasteurized, it’s critical to keep everything clean that comes into contact with your product to prevent spoilage. 

If you follow Dan Kopman’s line of thinking, then who you choose as your partner for packaging equipment is critical. As you evaluate potential suppliers, you’ll want to consider a number of factors. 

Davis says: “What seaming technologies does the supplier use, and are you confident that the machine will create a seam with the integrity to protect your brand. What filling technology is used, and how easy is it to clean the machine?

“What is its versatility in product mix and how easy is it to quickly change over from one to the next?
“What support is available after your purchase, and are there financing options available if you need them? Most importantly, what is the experience and level of expertise from the team you are considering?

“Purchasing a canning line can be intimidating for brewers who haven’t been exposed to packaging,” adds Adam Brandt, VP of new equipment sales for PSA.

“But comparing the cost of purchasing versus the drawbacks of being dependent on a mobile canner or copacker, it’s easy to see how owning their own line has distinct advantages.” 

Look for a supplier that delivers fast, skilled support and in-stock parts. And make sure they offer training on the equipment which should be intuitive enough that you feel confident in your ability to be self-sufficient in running it.

“It also means making friends with your can suppliers. Quality and repeatability are just as important in can selection as it is in the brewing and canning process, and a bad can will never achieve a proper fill, so be sure you work with can suppliers and consider them a vital partner in your success,” Davis says. 

At Vigo, Ross Kennedy explains that the process of canning has truly stood the test of time and that is largely due to its numerous benefits. “Even now canning has a big influence on our modern lives. The process not only preserves the product but can also increase its shelf-life,” he says.

“Its versatility provides a wide range of beverages to be preserved whilst exhibiting numerous benefits for customers and manufacturers alike.

The company has recently announced a new official partnership with Comac for the UK market.

Comac is known for its work in the field kegging and canning automated filling systems. Their systems and equipment are installed in more than 90 countries around the world, with their canning systems filling up to 12,000 cans per hour.

Kennedy adds: “Offering convenience, long shelf life, global availability, and a sustainable alternative to other packaging methods. By implementing canning into your business, you can expect consistent quality, higher market visibility, reduced risk of breakage and distribution efficiency. 

“As we look ahead to a future of increased sustainability, the use of cans in the beverage industry will continue to grow. That is why we are fully committed to providing the best canning equipment, support, and customer service to their clients.”