Polyphenol-based beer stabilization without PVPP filter aids

Polyphenol-based beer stabilization without PVPP filter aids

More and more consumers are opting for beer makers who choose to operate without technical and filter aids that increase the beer’s shelf life. As a result, breweries are moving away from PVPP (polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) stabilizers and looking for more gentle yet just as efficient solutions. One such solution is offered by Handtmann thanks to CSS (= Controlled Stabilization System) beer stabilization. When using CSS, the chance of microplastics entering the beer as a result of beer stabilization can be ruled out.

CSS beer stabilization from Handtmann is based on the targeted adsorption of polyphenols. This process involves the use of natural polysaccharide agarose (= carrier material). In a patented process, PVP is bound to the carrier material as a completely insoluble deposit. The spherical adsorber material measures 100 - 300 µ in diameter and is physically stable.

The stabilization agent, or adsorber material, remains usable in the system for several years and can be regenerated there without loss of efficacy. This makes the CSS especially sustainable. Needless to say, the material is compliant with the German beer purity law and has also been approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The dosage-free system from Handtmann guarantees cost savings for breweries over many years in terms of waste disposal, logistics costs and the procurement of stabilising agents for polyphenol-based stabilization. Handtmann offers controlled stabilization systems (CSS) with capacities ranging from 20 to 1,000 hl/h.

Further advantages for breweries: The actual system boasts a very small product volume. This means hardly any beer is lost, even when frequently changing the types of beer. The CSS not only cuts costs, but also saves time and staff resources through 24/7 automatic beer stabilization; for one or more beer filtration lines. For this purpose, the adsorber lines are designed for the required maximum hourly output and operated alternately. One line is therefore always ready for beer stabilization, while the other one is being regenerated. If more than two filtration lines are operated upstream of the CSS, different types of beer can be stabilised simultaneously. This new method of beer stabilization increases flexibility of the brewery’s processes.

The CSS can be installed individually and integrated into any existing filtration process instead of the PVPP filter. CSS beer stabilization reduces polyphenols to the levels required by the brewery. They are deposited on the adsorber material and then removed during regeneration. No substances from the adsorber material are given off into the beer and the quality of the beer is not negatively affected. The sensory properties, the head retention, the bitter units of the beer and the beer colour remain unchanged. The degree of stabilization can be adjusted to meet demands.