The performance of beer packaging: Vibration damping and thermal insulation

Abstract Poor transport conditions can result in an accelerated decay in beer quality. Optimal beer packaging should minimize the impact of temperature changes and vibrations, which occur during (long-haul) transport. In this research, the performance of different beer packagings (BP) regarding vibration damping and thermal insulation was investigated. Three BP’s were tested (A: 24 × 33cl cardboard crate/B: 6 × 25cl cardboard crate + plastic foil/C: 24 × 25cl plastic crate). Cardboard in combination with plastic foil (BP- B) appears to be the best packaging strategy due to the positive thermal insulation properties of cardboard. The plastic foil ties the beer bottles together leaving little space for the bottles to move and therefor reduces the air transfer contributing to better thermal insulation properties. Finally, cardboard in combination with plastic foil exhibits damping characteristics. With a holistic BP strategy, one can control vibrations and temperature biases, which is beneficial for the quality of beer.

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