BREWING A GREENER FUTURE IN CHICAGO
By Tim BurkeAt Country Malt Group, we’re committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. That’s why in 2022, we launched our Malt Bag Recycling Program in Vancouver, Washington and Chicago, Illinois. This initiative aims to create a straightforward and efficient system to recycle hundreds of thousands of empty malt bags annually, diverting significant waste from our landfills and reducing our environmental impact.
We partner with local recycling facilities to process used malt bags and recycle them into future plastic items, including new malt bags. This closed-loop system not only mitigates waste but also contributes to the production of new, sustainable products.
A Successful 2024 Collection in Chicago
In June 2024, Territory Manager Tim Burke spearheaded a collection drive around Chicago, picking up empty malt bag logs, super sacks, and other materials for recycling. A malt bag log consists of approximately 40 used malt bags consolidated into one, making transportation and processing much more efficient for our recycling partner in Aurora, IL.
Over the course of three days, Tim visited 11 breweries, collecting an impressive 14,750 malt bags. This effort resulted in the recycling of over 4,400 lbs of plastic, a significant contribution to our environmental goals.
Warehouse Manager Anthony Vines overseeing the malt bag drop at our Chicago warehouse.
Thank you to Crystal Lake Brewing, Hop Butcher, Hailstorm, Half Acre, Ike & Oak, Kishwaukee Brewing, Maplewood, Marz Community Brewing, Midwest Coast Brewing, More Brewing Company and Sketchbook Brewing.
If you missed the recent collection, it’s never too late to participate! Local breweries and distilleries can drop off their empty malt bag logs for recycling at our Chicago, Illinois distribution center anytime during business hours. These can include ANY brand of malt bags that meet the necessary bag specifications. Click here for more information.
By participating in our Malt Bag Recycling Program, you’re helping to create a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.
Ryan Clooney at Crystal Lake Brewing
Justin Miller at Hop Butcher for the World
Ryan O’Doherty at Half Acre
Tim after day 1
Cesar Marron at Sketchbook Brewing
The van is filling up!
Tim after picking up at Good Days
Nathan Tertell at Ike & Oak
Tim Fiken at Midwest Coast Brewing
Will Turner at Hailstorm
Dave Zibell at More Brewing Company
The van is full!
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