Labatt invests $110 million in sustainability and production expansion

Photo: Labatt Breweries of Canada.

Labatt Breweries of Canada is investing $110 million in Quebec’s economy that includes an environmental enhancement to its Montreal brewery through a new capital program that runs from 2019-2022.

$43.7 million is going directly into Labatt’s Montreal brewery to fund increased brewing capacity and the implementation of KeelClip; a technology that uses a sustainable, fibre paperboard packaging system instead of plastic.

The remainder of the $110 million investment will go towards non-brewery operations across the province including distribution and technology enhancements, and commercial initiatives.

“We’re proud of our history in Quebec and we’re excited to continue our commitment to the province with this important investment that will improve our operations and have significant environmental benefits,” said André Gravelle, Montreal Brewery General Manager, Labatt Breweries of Canada. “We know sustainability is a priority in the province and by introducing North America’s first KeelClip system right here in Montreal, we’re positioning our brewery to be a leader in sustainability in the province and setting up for future growth.”

KeelClip is a minimal fastener that is made from recycled fibre paperboard and replaces plastic packaging rings, tops, and shrink film. The solution uses an automated packaging system, which will enable the Montreal brewery to eliminate nearly 100,000 kilograms of plastic by early 2022.

Labatt will use the remainder of the $43.7 million to expand production and install three new tanks at the Montreal brewery to increase brewing capacity.