A one-way plastic beer barrel with a recyclable and adaptable valve system has been developed by Quadrant Creative Moulding Systems (CMS; Tielt / Belgium; www.quadrantcms.com) in partnership with Dispack Projects, developer of "Dolium" PET kegs (Antwerp / Belgium; www.dolium.be).

Albert Wauters, founder of Dispack and inventor/designer of the "Dolium" beer keg, said: “Brewers can avoid huge capital investments in pools of metal kegs that have a very low yearly rotation. By optimising the outbound shipment and by avoiding long distance return transport, we skip important transport costs as well as the excessive energy consumption of empty stainless steel kegs. Together with the 100% recyclability of the "Dolium" one-way kegs, this results in better environmental performance.” Wauters added that Dispack is preparing to add more moulds in anticipation of increased demand for "Dolium".

The valve systems incorporated in the 20- and 30-litre "Dolium" kegs are injection moulded in glass-reinforced PA. The partners developed four different versions of the plastic valves so they would be compatible with the most commonly used metal couplers for connecting the kegs to draft dispensing systems. Quadrant CMS said these valve options mean that customers do not need to modify their existing equipment for filling or connecting kegs.

The kegs also have protective external rings at the top and bottom for improved stability, handling and storage. The rings have been designed so the kegs can be handled both vertically and horizontally without the need for a supplementary protective cover.