SIBA launches keg repatriation scheme

It comes as a new collection scheme – National Container Repatriation Network (NCRNet) – has been set up for the industry.
Under the terms of NCRNet, a licensee can now make a request direct to

SIBA to have an empty keg collected, if a SIBA member has failed to collect that keg. All SIBA members will be required to agree to NCRNet’s terms as a condition of their membership.

NCRNet will also make it easier for SIBA members to collect containers already in the process of being collected. A network of SIBA regional ‘hubs’ are set to be created, where members’ containers can be stored before being collected by their owner. The regional hubs are provided by eight SIBA brewers nationwide, chosen on the basis of their location and ease of access.

The intiative has the backing from the British Beer and Pub Association, Kegwatch and major beer distributors.

Nick Stafford, SIBA commercial director, said: “NCRNet promises to alleviate some of the burden of container repatriation for licensees and smaller brewers. However, it will only be effective if everyone involved follows the protocols, and we would ask licensees to be vigilant about the container collections from their pub.

“Containers removed by the wrong person can take months to recover or disappear, putting major strain on the limited resources of small brewers and ultimately adding to the price of beer.”