Cost-efficiency of beer clarification methods: international experience and total cost of ownership calculation

In the context of digitalization and environmental challenges, the choice of beer filtration technology is becoming strategically important. This study is devoted to comparing three beer clarification methods – diatomaceous earth filtration, centrifugation and membrane filtration – using methods for calculating total cost of ownership (TCO), net present value sensitivity analysis (NPV), ESG criteria and hierarchy analysis (AHP). Based on the cases of Russian and foreign breweries, the costs, environmental impacts, digital integration opportunities and investment attractiveness are considered. Special attention is paid to membrane technology as the most promising in modern conditions of sustainable production, taking into account the requirements for reducing the carbon footprint and digitalization of production control. The research methodology includes quantitative and qualitative approaches with an emphasis on the strategic importance of choosing filtration technology as part of the modernization of the production infrastructure. The analysis demonstrates that the introduction of membrane filtration can significantly reduce transaction costs, increase resource efficiency, and expand access to ESG financing. The work may be useful to practitioners and researchers dealing with issues of technological renewal, digital transformation and assessment of investment attractiveness of production solutions.