New Carnegie Brewery unveils beer brewed with recycled water

Sweden’s New Carnegie Brewery has unveiled beer product PU:REST, which has been produced using recycled water.

The new project is a partnership between IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, New Carnegie Brewery and Carlsberg Sweden.

IVL’s project manager Staffan Filipsson said:  “The main purpose of the project is to highlight sustainable water management and raise awareness of the global water issues and the value of clean water.

“In a world threatened by water shortage, we wanted to show that we already have technologies to recycle wastewater into drinking water that is as clean as normal tap water.”

Studies have indicated that by using the right combinations of technologies, wastewater can be recycled in a cost-effective manner and can be reused in agriculture, industry or returned to groundwater. However, using recycled water in beverages is a relatively new concept and is still regarded by countries such as Sweden as a solution that is some way off in the future.

Filipsson further added: “The difficulties in getting this relatively cost and energy-efficient method to be used for the production of drinking water is not technical but primarily emotional.

“The recycled water is as pure and safe as normal tap water, but most people are still sceptical about actual drinking purified wastewater.”

Recycled water for PU:REST was provided by IVL’s unique pilot and demonstration facility Hammarby Sjöstadsverk after passing through a chain of purification and lab testing processes.

New Carnegie Brewery brewmaster Chris Thurgeson said: “When IVL shared their idea with us, we couldn’t resist the challenge.

“We share the view that both producers and consumers must dare to think differently if we are to successfully take care of Earth’s resources. The result is a crystal clear pilsner, brewed on the recycled water with organic malt and hops.”