In the global beer market, where artisanal tradition coexists with increasingly complex industrial demands, one trend has been steadily and quietly gaining momentum: the reuse of used brewing machinery. At MachinePoint, as a key player in the brokerage of second-hand equipment, we have observed how this phenomenon has evolved from a one-off solution into a conscious, efficient, and sustainable investment strategy.
Between 2018 and 2025, accumulated data on the demand and supply of used brewing machinery clearly reflects this structural shift. Complete can filling lines have emerged as the most sought-after by producers, accounting for more than half of total equipment requests—around 55% of market demand. This preference has been driven by the global rise of craft beers in “can” format, particularly in emerging markets and among younger, urban consumers.
Closely following are complete glass bottle lines, which, although they have not experienced the same exponential growth, maintain a stable share of demand—around 26% cumulatively—thanks to their strong presence in regions with a deep-rooted tradition of returnable and premium packaging.
More recently, specific beer filling machinery has seen a notable increase. While it represented just 1% of requests in 2022, by 2024 it had risen to nearly 10% of annual demand—clearly indicating that more producers are seeking to upgrade this critical stage of their production process without investing in a full line. Beer processing and final packaging equipment have also gained traction, although their combined share has not exceeded 5% of the total still modest, but steadily growing.
Growing demand and new priorities in the brewing industry
However, this strong demand does not always align with available supply. The gap between what brewers are looking for and what the market can actually offer has become increasingly evident over time. For example, in 2023, while complete can lines accounted for more than 50% of global demand, only around 28% of the available equipment fell into this category. Glass lines showed a similar mismatch, representing 24% of demand in 2024 compared to just 17% of actual availability.
This imbalance forces buyers to act quickly and rely on trusted partners capable of managing the sourcing, inspection, dismantling, transportation, and reinstallation of equipment with both technical precision and logistical efficiency. MachinePoint plays this strategic role, acting not only as a supplier but also as a technical and commercial advisor in transactions that often take place across countries with different regulations, electrical standards, and complex logistical barriers.
Used Machinery as a Competitive Advantage and a Sustainable Choice
In this context, the value of used machinery is no longer measured solely by its price: today, it is assessed based on its flexibility, immediate availability, and ability to adapt to new production conditions. Far from being obsolete, refurbished equipment—especially when sourced from renowned manufacturers such as Krones, GEA, KHS, or Meura—retains an industrial value that transcends borders and economic cycles.
This is reinforced by an undeniable business reality: investment cycles are becoming shorter, margins are tightening, and fast access to operational machinery is turning into a competitive advantage. Many of our clients cannot afford to wait the months required for a new line; they need to start operations as soon as possible. For them, acquiring readily available and verified equipment translates into faster start-up times, quicker return on investment, and reduced financial risk.
In a world where sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, giving brewing machinery a second life is not only a profitable decision but also a statement of intent. Reusing industrial equipment does not mean compromising on quality or technology; on the contrary, it means maximizing the value of existing assets while minimizing waste, emissions, and resource consumption.
At MachinePoint, we are proud to be part of this global movement. We support producers in over 80 countries, connecting real needs with available solutions, and once again demonstrating that the second life of a machine can be the first step in a great brewing story.
