How does CleanCycleCarbon help breweries avoid CO₂ shortages?

CleanCycleCarbon produces CO₂ by capturing it from industrial emissions — not from the same concentrated sources (ethanol plants, ammonia facilities) that caused the 2022 shortage. This diversifies the supply chain and adds domestic capacity that operates independently of commodity market conditions.

What volume of CO₂ does a typical brewery use?

A small craft brewery producing 5,000 barrels per year typically uses 5-10 tons of CO₂ annually. A mid-size regional brewery at 50,000 barrels may use 50-100 tons. Large production breweries can exceed 500 tons per year. CleanCycleCarbon supplies through distribution partners who handle delivery at all volume levels.

Brewery CO₂ Supply

CO₂ for Breweries

Q: Why do breweries need beverage grade CO₂?

Breweries use CO₂ for carbonation, tank purging, counter-pressure filling, and packaging. Because the CO₂ directly contacts the finished beer, it must meet ISBT beverage-grade specifications: 99.9% purity minimum with strict limits on sulfur, moisture, benzene, and other contaminants that can affect flavor and safety.

Q: How did the 2022 CO₂ shortage affect breweries?

The 2022 CO₂ shortage forced many breweries to reduce production, delay releases, halt canning lines, and in some cases shut down entirely for weeks. Spot prices spiked to over $400 per ton. Craft breweries with smaller purchase volumes were hit hardest, as major distributors prioritized large-volume contracts.

Reliable, FDA-registered, beverage-grade CO₂ from a new domestic source. No more shortage anxiety.

Breweries Learned the Hard Way in 2022

The 2022 CO₂ shortage hit breweries hard. When contamination shut down the Jackson Dome CO₂ well and ammonia plants went offline for maintenance, the entire US merchant CO₂ supply tightened overnight. Breweries — especially craft operations with smaller purchase volumes — were deprioritized by distributors.

Some breweries halted canning lines for weeks. Others reduced production or delayed releases. Spot prices exceeded $400 per ton, more than double typical contract rates. The lesson was clear: the CO₂ supply chain is fragile, concentrated, and breweries are vulnerable.

The underlying problem hasn't changed. Roughly 70% of US merchant CO₂ still comes from three source types concentrated in two regions. The next disruption is a matter of when, not if.

How Breweries Use CO₂

Carbonation

Force carbonation of finished beer in brite tanks. Beverage grade required — impurities affect flavor, aroma, and foam stability.

Tank Purging

Purging fermenters and brite tanks with CO₂ to displace oxygen and prevent oxidation during transfers.

Counter-Pressure Filling

Maintaining CO₂ pressure during can and bottle filling to preserve carbonation levels and prevent foaming.

Serving & Draft

Pushing beer through draft lines at the brewery taproom and at distribution accounts.

Every one of these applications requires beverage-grade CO₂ — the highest commercial purity standard. Contaminated or low-purity CO₂ can ruin an entire batch.

A New Source of Beverage Grade CO₂

CleanCycleCarbon produces beverage-grade CO₂ by capturing it from industrial emissions — not from the same ethanol plants and ammonia facilities that caused the 2022 shortage. Our proprietary cryogenic purification process delivers CO₂ at 99.9% purity, meeting ISBT specifications and FDA food-grade registration.

Our Lewiston, NC facility is operational today, producing certified CO₂ that enters the commercial supply chain through established distribution partners. Additional capture projects are in development, adding more domestic capacity.

More sources, in more locations, from different feedstocks. That's what supply chain resilience looks like.

Typical Brewery CO₂ Usage

Small Craft

1,000–10,000 bbl/yr

2–15 tons/yr

Mid-Size Regional

10,000–100,000 bbl/yr

15–150 tons/yr

Large Production

100,000+ bbl/yr

150–500+ tons/yr

Estimates based on industry averages. Actual usage varies by carbonation levels, process efficiency, and packaging format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do breweries need beverage grade CO₂?

CO₂ directly contacts the finished beer during carbonation, purging, and filling. Impurities — even at trace levels — can affect flavor, aroma, and foam stability. ISBT beverage-grade specification (99.9% purity) ensures the CO₂ won't compromise your product.

How did the 2022 CO₂ shortage affect breweries?

Many breweries reduced production, delayed releases, halted canning lines, or shut down temporarily. Craft breweries were hit hardest — distributors prioritized large-volume contracts. Spot prices spiked above $400/ton.

How does CleanCycleCarbon help breweries avoid shortages?

We produce CO₂ from captured industrial emissions — a different source than the ethanol plants and ammonia facilities that caused the 2022 shortage. This adds new domestic capacity and diversifies the supply chain.

How do I purchase CO₂ from CleanCycleCarbon?

CleanCycleCarbon works with established distribution partners to deliver CO₂ to end users. Contact us to discuss volume, specifications, and supply availability in your region.

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