Rehrig Pacific launches new Pubkeg 1/6th barrel rental program

Let’s throw some phrases at you and see what piques your interest: low deposit fees, low lost equipment charges, expanded distribution, no exclusivity, fewer headaches and loads of money saved. Do any of those ideas gel with your 2014 brewing business plan? Well, then you should speak to Rehrig Pacific Co., a leading manufacturer of reusable transport packaging systems focused on everything from beer and wine to pharmaceuticals and waste. The company has just launched a rent-able keg program aimed at fulfilling at least some of those key phrases above.

“With low deposit fees, low lost equipment charges and no exclusivity, the Pubkeg Program complements and quickly expands brewers’ existing cooperage floats, saves precious capital and lowers fees throughout the supply chain,” explained Leslie LeMair, industry manager of beer, wine and spirits at Rehrig Pacific. “Pubkegs truly are the best 1/6th barrel packaging solution.”

Let’s explain: The Pubkeg Program is a per-trip 1/6th barrel rental idea for breweries. The new Pubkeg Program allows breweries to ship full kegs while Rehrig handles their tracking, return and recycling. The retailer or wholesaler recycles the interior bottle, and Rehrig does the rest. The program is a flexible solution that can help increase sales, expand geographic reach, reduce costs and free up capital allowing companies to serve more customers with an attractive, predictable COGS (that’s cost of goods sold, Copernicus). Rehrig’s Pubkeg Program is aiming to provide a new packaging system into the market that inspires that kind of confidence.

Fun fact: Rehrig Pacific actually developed the first RFID-enabled reusable, PET 1/6th barrel solution. That means the easy-to-handle Pubkeg is probably the real deal.

The Extras: Pubkegs are designed using a standard U.S. Sankey style valve for integration with existing systems. Its components are fully recyclable, and full kegs are an OSHA friendly 49 pounds for safer manual handling. Lighter weight kegs mean brewers can ship more beer per truckload.

The Pitch: Brewers can even expand sales channels and quickly enter new or seasonal markets because Pubkegs are available and ready to ship.