August 20, 2025
98% less CO₂, full flavor, and climate neutrality within reach
CO₂ has played a key role in the beer brewing process for decades. It protects beer from oxidation, extends its shelf life, and contributes to its characteristic bubbles. But CO₂ is also a powerful greenhouse gas, and its production places a heavy burden on the environment. More and more breweries are therefore looking for more environmentally friendly alternatives. Seefbrouwerij in Antwerp chose to take on a pioneering role and, together with Atlas Copco, took on the challenge of replacing CO₂ with nitrogen. The result? A revolutionary step towards more climate-neutral brewing—without compromising on taste or quality.
NGP+ nitrogen generator from Atlas Copco
Together with Atlas Copco, a specialist in industrial gases and compressed air, a nitrogen installation was developed and installed. This nitrogen generator (NGP+) makes it possible to extract ultra-pure nitrogen from ordinary outside air on site. This gas replaces CO₂ in almost all stages of the brewing process, from rinsing and purging tanks to protecting beer from oxidation. The brewery only uses a minimal amount of CO₂ to create the desired bubbles. Thanks to this innovative technology, Seefbrouwerij has achieved a CO₂ reduction of no less than 98%.
98% less CO₂, same taste, 11,000 trees per year
The results of this sustainable innovation are impressive. Using the nitrogen generator eliminates virtually all CO₂ from the brewing process, resulting in a 98% reduction in CO₂. This annual saving is comparable to the amount of CO₂ that a forest of 11,000 five-year-old trees would remove from the air. At the same time, the authentic taste and quality of the beer is fully preserved thanks to the precise adjustment of the nitrogen installation; various tastings have shown that there is no perceptible difference in the taste experience. Furthermore, with the use of nitrogen and the planned connection to the Antwerp heat network, Seefbrouwerij is reinforcing its ambition to become completely climate-neutral within five years.
How nitrogen works in the brewing process
Nitrogen is used in various ways in the brewing process. For example, nitrogen is used to rinse and purge tanks and barrels, effectively displacing oxygen and preventing oxidation—a similar result to that achieved with CO₂, but without the harmful environmental impact. Nitrogen also protects beer from oxidation, as is well known in the food industry. The nitrogen generator (NGP+) makes it possible to easily filter oxygen from ordinary outside air, leaving only ultra-pure nitrogen. This technology is safe, efficient, and easily scalable, especially for small and medium-sized breweries, and its application does not require any major changes to the existing brewing process.
Broadly supported innovation
The project was not only made technically possible by Atlas Copco, but also financially supported by the City of Antwerp. The collaboration sets the tone for other breweries that want to work on sustainable brewing. Seefbrouwerij demonstrates that innovative solutions, such as replacing CO₂ with nitrogen, are not only feasible but also scalable—even for smaller breweries.
More info? Contact Atlas Copco Belgium
bga.info@be.atlascopco.com