Reusable stainless steel KEGs from SCHÄFER Container Systems support handling, brand presence and product protection

Neunkirchen / Reichelsheim (Odenwald), 14 April 2026. Kelterei Krämer from the Odenwald region is expanding its packaging and dispensing concept. In addition to its distinctive can, the company is increasingly bringing its cult brand “Bembel with Care” into the KEG business with reusable stainless steel KEGs from SCHÄFER Container Systems. Since 2024, the distinctive black PLUS KEGs with white logo have been in use for this purpose. At the same time, the cidery uses SUDEX stainless steel KEGs with capacities of 30 and 50 litres for its own portfolio, including for apple wine and apple juice. In doing so, the cidery is creating the basis for providing cider-based beverages to the hospitality and retail sectors with a consistent level of quality and predictable processes.

Cider-based beverages place special demands on the KEG business. Freshness and taste must remain stable right through to the final dispense, while hygienic safety and smooth logistics and handling processes are also crucial. Reusable stainless steel KEGs support these goals as a standardised, robust packaging solution that can be integrated economically into existing processes.

A strong brand presence at the point of sale: PLUS KEG for “Bembel with Care”

For “Bembel with Care”, Kelterei Krämer relies on the SCHÄFER PLUS KEG, a premium container with a polyurethane coating and a stainless steel inner bladder. It is designed for safe handling and, thanks to its high-quality appearance, creates a distinctive presence at the point of sale – particularly wherever containers remain visible in day-to-day operations and reinforce the brand impression.

SUDEX KEGs in the cidery’s portfolio

For its own range, Kelterei Krämer uses the SUDEX KEG, which is made entirely of stainless steel. Thanks to its robust, durable design and hygienic properties, it is particularly suitable for beverages where product protection and clean processes are the main priority. As a closed system, the KEG protects the contents from external influences and enables controlled dispensing.

Ensuring quality, simplifying logistics

A tight and pressure-resistant KEG system helps preserve quality and freshness during storage and dispensing. At the same time, the reusable solution offerslogistical advantages: standardised sizes, stackability and a robust design simplify handling, improve space utilisation and reduce the risk of breakage and complaints compared with more fragile packaging solutions.

Reusable systems that become predictable

Companies that firmly integrate KEG systems into production can standardise cleaning and return processes and manage the container cycle proactively. Reusable stainless steel KEGs are a resilient building block for this: their service life of several decades, high reusability and full recyclability at the end of life support an economically viable reusable model – including in the growing segment beyond the traditional beer market and with a view to future regulatory requirements.
“The stainless steel KEG from SCHÄFER Container Systems is the perfect way for us to represent our products professionally and reliably in the KEG business, from handling through to consistently high dispensing quality,” says Stefan Krämer, Owner and Managing Director of Kelterei Krämer. “With the reusable KEGs, we are creating stable processes in logistics and returns while at the same time bringing a container to market that supports freshness and taste right through to the final glass.”

“Cider-based beverages place high demands on freshness, handling and consistent dispensing quality,” adds Oliver Evering, Global Key Account Manager at SCHÄFER Container Systems. “Reusable stainless steel KEGs combine these requirements with a tried-and-tested reusable cycle and provide manufacturers with a reliable basis for expanding their KEG business professionally.”

Regulatory framework: PPWR reinforces the trend towards reusable packaging

With the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the focus in the beverage industry is shifting more strongly towards avoidable packaging, reuse and recyclability. For manufacturers and fillers, this means that reusable packaging is increasingly becoming a strategic compliance and investment issue, not just a sustainability option. Those who adopt reusable container systems at an early stage can integrate future requirements more effectively into their packaging and portfolio strategy and prepare for changing market conditions.