Sustainable Brewing: How Hobsons Brewery Leads the Way with Eco-Friendly Pump Clips & Labels

Sustainable Brewing: How Hobsons Brewery Leads the Way with Eco-Friendly Pump Clips & Labels

At Hobsons Brewery, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From brewing award-winning real ales to reducing our environmental footprint, we are always looking for ways to improve. One major step we took in 2019 was a full rebrand, ensuring that our pump clips and bottle labels not only looked modern but were also sourced from sustainable materials. This journey led us to innovative solutions, making our branding as eco-friendly as our brewing practices.

Sustainable Pump Clips: Wooden & Water-Based

One of the first major changes we implemented was switching to wooden pump clips, eliminating the need for plastic alternatives. These pump clips are printed using water-based inks, reducing harmful emissions and ensuring a more sustainable approach to showcasing our beers on the bar. The result? A rustic, high-quality finish that reflects both our commitment to tradition and our dedication to the environment.

The Challenge of Plastic-Free Beer Labels

Finding an alternative to plastic bottle labels proved to be a bigger challenge. We needed a material that was fully recyclable, adhered well to our bottles, and could withstand the moisture of the bottling process. After testing multiple options in partnership with Mercian Labels in Staffordshire, we encountered a key issue: many sustainable labels struggled to handle the humidity and cold conditions of our bottling line. One failed trial even meant manually peeling off labels from entire cases of beer—a challenge we were determined to overcome!

Forest Film: The Future of Beer Labels

After months of research and trials, we found the perfect solution: Forest Film, an innovative material developed in Finland. This sustainable label is made using natural oils extracted from wood pulp, a by-product of paper manufacturing, making it a fully recyclable alternative to plastic labels. Unlike previous trials, Forest Film adhered securely, resisted moisture, and applied just as smoothly as traditional labels.

To enhance both the look and feel, we incorporated a sandpaper varnish, giving the labels a distinct paper-like texture while adding extra durability during bottling. By February 2020, we had our first full delivery of Forest Film labels, and by Summer 2020, every bottle of Hobsons beer was carrying our new, sustainable branding.

Eco-Friendly Brewing That Stands Out on the Shelf

The switch to sustainable materials has been a game-changer for our brand. Our eye-catching designs, combined with eco-friendly labels, have enhanced our shelf presence and reinforced our reputation as a sustainable brewery. Customers—both trade and private—have responded positively, appreciating the effort we’ve put into reducing our impact on the planet while maintaining the quality and authenticity of our beers.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Brewing

At Hobsons Brewery, we believe there is always a way to make brewing more sustainable—whether through renewable energy, reducing waste, or sourcing better materials. Being the first brewery in our industry to use Forest Film is just one step in our ongoing mission to brew responsibly.

By making small, impactful changes, we continue to lead the way in eco-friendly beer production, proving that great beer and sustainability go hand in hand.

Support Sustainable Brewing – Try Our Beers Today!

Looking for great-tasting real ale brewed with sustainability in mind? Explore our range of bottle-conditioned beers and discover why Hobsons is at the forefront of the green brewing revolution.