Just when you were beginning to get used to toilet paper conservation techniques comes news of a shortage of food-grade carbon dioxide that could potentially threaten the US beer supply.

And interestingly enough this shortage is related to lockdown measures in the Unites States and a nation that’s not driving around as much as it normally would.

Brewers use CO2, which is a byproduct of ethanol production, to make their beers fizzy.

And ethanol is used as an additive into the US’ fuel supply. But mandated coronavirus lockdown measures in the United States, have led to a fall in ethanol production and as a result less CO2.

As the Drinks Business correctly points out, this shortage “means that brewers, who are already struggling to stay afloat amid falling beer sales, forced closure and mass lay-offs, now may struggle to produce beer altogether over the coming months.”

According to Sky News “the Renewable Fuels Association’s chief executive, Geoff Cooper, estimates that 34 of the 45 US’ ethanol plants that sell carbon dioxide to FMGC companies have either cut production or stopped altogether during the lockdown.”

CO2 is a clear colorless gas that gives oomph to your liquids. And  even though CO2 is a natural byproduct of  fermentation process that can be used  beers are ‘naturally carbonated’, it is also used to flush out oxygen in the bottling and canning process, and to create pressure in kegs so that beer can be forced out of containers.

With less people driving, ethanol production is down and so is its byproduct CO2 and that shortage is threatening the supply of not just beer, but also soft drinks and packaged meats in the US.

Bob Pease, Chief Executive for the Boulder, Colorado trade organization, the Brewers Association told SKY News that CO2 prices have shot up by 25% since the lockdowns began, due to the lower supply. Pease said that the country’s craft brewing sector gets close to half of if its CO2 supply from these production plants.

Earlier this month the Brewers’ Association warned that members – approximately 5,400 breweries – have seen a 75% fall in sales over the past few weeks, adding that the current situation is “not sustainable” for many small brewers.

“The problem is accelerating,” Pease added. “Every day we’re hearing from more of our members about this.”

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