Nomadic Beerworks in Austin Launches Sustainability Programs for Beer | Eater Austin

"Driven by a sustainability mission, this Austin brewery builds environmental thinking into nearly every detail: the South Congress space features a bar, booths, tables, restroom stalls, and shelving made from reclaimed wood salvaged from a local house’s controlled detonation (some tables still show mismatched layers of old paint); it collects thousands of plastic can toppers from customers to redistribute for student art projects and to fellow brewers; uses compostable can liners and growler tags cut from reused cardboard; donates spent grain to local farmers for cattle feed; composts food waste; and recaptures the groundwater used to chill beer so it can be reused on future brew days. Energy use is addressed where possible with low-wattage fixtures and added insulation, though leasing limits bigger moves like solar, and the food menu is a low-volume convenience sourced through big suppliers like Sysco. An early idea to melt can toppers down for 3D-printed goods proved unworkable with HDPE without injection-molding equipment, and the team is seeking an engineering partner. The beer lineup channels travels and memories—from the malty Zugbahn German-style lager and the Cardiff IPA scented with lemongrass and toasted grain to Flintstoned, a Fruity Pebbles milkshake IPA—and the brewery is pursuing 1% for the Planet so a share of profits can support vetted environmental groups." - Lane Gillespie