The guys from Saltwater Brewery just look like buccaneers and sea dogs. The Delray Beach, Fla.-based brewhouse definitely has a love of the ocean, sea life and quality craft beer. The brand looks to “explore the depths of beer” using themes of the briny deep — just look at brands like Confused Sea Cow, Screamin’ Reels IPA and Wheat Wave.
Saltwater opened its doors in December 2013 with a team of Floridians (and one transplant) who all love the ocean lifestyle — enough to help preserve and promote it. According to its website: “Our goal is to maintain the world’s greatest wonder by giving back to the ocean through Ocean Based Charities (CCA, Surfrider, Ocean Foundation, MOTE).”
Just recently, Saltwater Brewery has taken that passion and purpose to a whole new level — using six-pack rings for its craft beer that are not only biodegradable but can actually be eaten by sea life. These six-pack rings are constructed of barley and wheat ribbons from the brewing process.
According to an article on craftbeer.com:
Besides being biodegradable and edible, this innovative technology is still as resistant and efficient as the plastic packaging it replaces. It is, understandably, more expensive to produce, but many customers are willing to pay the difference knowing that it’s better for the environment and animal life. However, if more breweries would implement this technology, the production cost would lower and be competitive with the current plastic options, saving hundreds of thousands of marine lives.
Head of Brand at Saltwater Brewery Peter Agardy says, “It’s a big investment for a small brewery created by fisherman, surfers and people that love the sea,” but as President Chris Gove notes, “We hope to influence the big guys and hopefully inspire them to get on board.”
Craft credo No. 3: Support the environment. Well done, Saltwater Brewery.
