Hoptown Handles acquires Beer to Bags to help put an end to waste in the craft brewing industry

CLACKAMAS, Ore. and Raleigh, NC-- As of April 2024, Hoptown Handles has acquired Beer to Bags, a rapidly growing upcycling brand known for taking discarded brewing malt bags and upcycling them into eye-catching and durable tote bags and more. The acquisition is well-timed as Hoptown’s branded merchandise arm, Shore Up Supply, continues to expand their sustainable and USA-Made branded merchandise and apparel offerings. When presented with the opportunity to purchase the Beer to Bags brand, the answer was a resounding “yes, please!” from Hoptown.

“Sustainability and quality are at the core of everything we do at Hoptown, so I was excited by the opportunity to join forces with a like-minded company such as Beer to Bags. I'm stoked to continue the Beer to Bags legacy alongside Shore Up Supply and Hoptown Handles, and help put an end to a sizable waste stream in the brewing industry.” - Ben Weston, Founder and Owner of Hoptown Handles

With 9,000+ craft breweries operating in the US alone, the amount of discarded brewing malt bags generated is staggering. Some craft breweries and maltsters have found innovative ways to give these bags a second life, but despite these efforts, most malt bags still find their way to landfills. Enter: Beer to Bags. Since 2021, they have diverted 10,000+ malt bags from the landfill, turning them into handsome and profitable tote bags that have been sold in over 200 breweries and taprooms to date. To continue that growth and remove even more malt bags from waste streams, Beer to Bags has joined forces with Shore Up Supply.

“Breweries and their patrons have been delighted by my concept of turning a brewing wastestream into a revenue stream. Shore Up Supply is a natural fit to bring resources to Beer to Bags and help it become a recognizable product in taprooms around the world. I couldn’t be more excited to be on the team and dream up more ideas like this one!” - Emily Neville, Founder of Beer to Bags. 

To help with the transition and continue to grow the brand, Beer to Bags Founder, Emily Neville, has joined Shore Up Supply as their new Director of Business Development and will continue to be a guiding force for Beer to Bags under new ownership. Beer to Bags can still be ordered through the same channels as before, and can now be ordered through Shore Up Supply as well!

About Hoptown Handles

Hoptown Handles is an award-winning custom tap handle manufacturer that makes all of their handles here in the USA from sustainably sourced materials. Hoptown is also the parent company of eco-friendly branded merch and apparel company, Shore Up Supply, co-owner of creative design company, SeaThirst Creative, and now, Beer to Bags.

About Beer to Bags

Beer to Bags is the answer to an unnecessary problem of waste in the brewing industry. By taking landfill-bound malt bags and upcycling them into customized beer tote bags, Beer to Bags helps breweries turn waste streams into revenue streams. The Pocket Brew Bag is at the heart of the Beer to Bags offering line-up, with more designs currently in the works. Follow them for all the latest product updates and happenings.