Alongside the format shift, NCBC is doubling down on its commitment to environmental responsibility by replacing traditional plastic holders with a 100% compostable can carrier.
USA – North Coast Brewing Company (NCBC) has announced the release of two of its flagship beers, Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale and PranQster Belgian Style Golden Ale, in 12oz cans.
This marks a major milestone for the California-based brewery, which has until now relied on glass bottles since the beers’ introductions in 1988 and 1995, respectively.
The shift to cans comes on the heels of NCBC installing its first in-house canning line, a strategic investment designed to enhance quality control, preserve product freshness, and expand nationwide availability.
By managing the entire canning process internally, the brewery ensures consistency in flavor and integrity in packaging, both essential to preserving the distinct character of its long-standing recipes.
“This is more than a packaging change,” said NCBC CEO and CFO Jennifer Owen. “It’s a way to honour our heritage while making our beers more accessible, convenient, and sustainable for modern consumers.”
Alongside the format shift, NCBC is doubling down on its commitment to environmental responsibility by replacing traditional plastic holders with Eco-Rings, a 100% compostable can carrier made from plant-based fibers.
These rings are engineered to break down completely in home and industrial composting systems without releasing harmful microplastics, aligning with the brewery’s ongoing sustainability goals.
The move mirrors broader trends in the craft beer industry, where legacy brands are turning to cans for their lower carbon footprint, portability, and recyclability.
NCBC’s approach follows similar efforts by fellow pioneers like Sierra Nevada, which began offering Pale Ale in cans back in 2012, and Bell’s Brewery, which rolled out canned versions of its iconic Two Hearted Ale in 2014.
The use of Eco-Rings also echoes packaging innovations from breweries like New Belgium and SweetWater, both of which have trialed compostable or biodegradable materials to address plastic waste concerns.
With its first canned offerings now rolling out, North Coast Brewing is blending tradition with innovation, bringing beloved classics into the future while reinforcing its environmental values.
This launch is expected to boost consumer engagement, especially among sustainability-conscious craft beer fans, and sets the stage for broader adoption of eco-conscious packaging in the beer industry.
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