OnTap Magazine

ADVERTORIAL In the middle of the last century, the very first KEG took to the beverage packaging stage. The subsequent success was in no small measure due to technical improvements in the up- to-then exclusively used barrel. Jointly responsible for this are a series of what could be considered simple inventions, like the fitting or spear, for instance. The most significant benefits, however, came in the formof industrial filling and hygienic cleaning techniques. This not only made KEGsapopular,moreecologicalandmore economical variant of traditional barrels, it also enabled the increasing demand for higher production quantities to be met. And prognoses for the future suggest beverage producers can look forward to yet more markets and opportunities. The major challenge in taking full advantage of these opportunities lies in continuing to adapt and redesign KEGs and their components. KEGs first had to earn credit with the beverage producers. They were improved step by step until they eventually achieved the popularity they enjoy today. The first breakthroughs on the way included the industrial mass production of the first KEG with a stainless steel liner and an insulating polyurethane coating (PU jacket) in 1978, newsafety standards providedby a safety bursting point in 1985 and the CFC-free manufacture of the PU jacket in 1990. A decisive development was the increase in presentation possibilities. KEGs offered a vast potential for increasing brand image and awareness, through various labelling procedures and colourful design elements. Some of these techniques are simply not possible on traditional barrels. Coca Cola, for instance, has been using in-mould labelling since 1993 to put their unmistakable logo onto their KEGs, too. In recent time, the popularity of reusable stainless steel KEGs in particular has been boosted by their sustainability, as they are significantly more ecological and economical. With an annual average of four cycles, KEGs can be used for up to 30 years when used properly. This multiple use leads to a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the manufacture of new disposable containers. At the same time, they are also 100 % recyclable. For 30-litre KEGs, for example, the combination of this scrap value and multiple use means that the calculated cost per beer dispensed is only one twentieth of that for a plastic keg, despite the higher one-off acquisition costs. PARTY KEGS – AUTOMATION ON THE TABLE To this day, the KEG’s success has been rooted in the benefits automated processes have provided for beverage producers. An essential factor here is that, in contrast to conventional barrels, KEGs can be filled and cleaned on machines, no matter what shape or size. This is mainly due to a core element of the KEG’s technological development: the fitting. This valve device at the top end is the connection to the dispensing head. It enables gas to be added, in The evolution of the barrel into the KEG and why beverage producers are reaping the bene ts KEGnology 60 | Winter 2019 | ontapmag.co.za