Bent Paddle proud to share a behind-the-scenes look at one of our favorite sustainability partnerships: Replay Workshop by Atlas Games.
This past summer a few members of our team had the opportunity to visit the Atlas Games X Replay Workshop and see firsthand how they repurpose plastic waste like our Pak-Teks and grain bags, into beautiful, functional game accessories. From colorful dice and tokens to coasters and bookmarks, it was incredible to see the number of items being repurposed from our variety of waste.
Replay Workshop is Atlas Games’ upcycling initiative, and it’s as fun as it is impactful. Watching our brewery’s leftover plastic materials transformed into something so unique and usable was a full-circle moment for us. It’s a reminder that sustainability can be hands-on, community-based, and fun.
“We believe that businesses have a responsibility to minimize their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Through our ongoing initiatives and partnerships, we strive to lead by example and inspire positive change in the brewing industry and beyond.”
– Laura Mullen, Bent Paddle Co-Founder
Since day one, our team at Bent Paddle Brewing Co. has made sustainability a central part of how we brew, package, and operate. Being based in Duluth, Minnesota the “Big Lake” is very special to us, the local economy, and the beer and beverages we make.
Here are just a few ways we keep sustainability at the core of our operations:
- Reclaiming clean hot brewing water for reuse in cleaning.
- Installing energy-efficient lighting and variable-frequency drives to reduce energy use.
- Choosing infinitely recyclable aluminum cans over glass bottles.
- Using 100% recycled chipboard for our packaging and 96% recycled PakTech handles (which we collect and send to Replay Workshop for repurposing!).
- Donating spent grain to local farmers to feed cows and pigs.
- Partnering with Hartel’s Waste Service and WLSSD for comprehensive brewery and taproom recycling.
- Recycling stretch wrap through A-1 Services, which employs individuals with disabilities.
- Sourcing North American-made stainless steel brewery tanks and post-consumer recycled office supplies.
- Supporting our team with full benefits, recreation perks, and a work culture built on balance and well-being.
- Hosting sustainability-focused staff training and supporting environmental organizations through charitable donations.
- Proud members of the Ceres Minnesota Climate Declaration and NRDC’s Brewers for Clean Water.
We’re continually dreaming about how Bent Paddle can be more sustainable: solar panels, sustainable building materials, zero-waste events, and more.
“Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Co-Founder Bryon Tonnis. “We believe that businesses have a responsibility to minimize their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Through our ongoing initiatives and partnerships, we strive to lead by example and inspire positive change in the brewing industry and beyond.”
Our visit to Replay Workshop reminded us that sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, partnerships, and purpose. From the beer we brew to the plastic we reuse, every small decision adds up to something much bigger.
This Earth Day, we raise a glass to innovation, collaboration, and the communities that help us do better every year. Cheers to paddling towards a greener future!
