Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore how Heineken’s embrace of 3D printing and R&D strategies is reshaping the brewing industry for a high-tech future.
Heineken N.V., the world’s second-largest brewer, continues to lead the global beer industry with its commitment to innovation and efficiency. In 2024, the Dutch brewing giant reported €30 billion in organic net revenue and an 8.3% increase in operating profit to €3.5 billion, driven by strong demand for its premium brands and robust sales in regions like India, Brazil, Nigeria, and Mexico. With a workforce of approximately 85,000 employees and a portfolio of over 300 brands, Heineken’s global presence is formidable.
Heineken, headquartered in the Netherlands, is the world’s second-largest brewer of beer and operates in 70 countries. Its leading brands include Amstel, Dos Equis, Red Stripe, Tiger, and Lagunitas. Heineken has a large emerging markets business, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of its profits.
Navigating Tariff Challenges
In the face of global trade tensions and the looming threat of new U.S. tariffs, Heineken has demonstrated resilience. Despite potential macroeconomic challenges, including inflationary pressures and currency devaluations across developing markets, the company exceeded expectations with its first-quarter 2025 results, reporting a 0.9% increase in organic net revenues. CEO Dolf van den Brink emphasized the company’s ability to adapt and thrive amid volatility.
Innovation Showcase in Amsterdam
At the heart of Heineken’s innovation efforts is its Innovation Showcase in Amsterdam. This hub serves as a testing ground for new technologies and processes aimed at enhancing production efficiency and sustainability. While specific details about 3D printing initiatives at the Amsterdam facility are limited, Heineken’s broader adoption of additive manufacturing technologies underscores its commitment to innovation.
3D Printing: A Game Changer in Seville
Heineken’s brewery in Seville, Spain, has emerged as a pioneer in integrating 3D printing into its operations. The facility produces 500 million liters of beer annually and has leveraged Ultimaker’s S5 3D printing platform to produce custom tools and functional machine parts. This initiative has led to significant cost reductions—up to 80%—and decreased delivery times for parts by 70-90%.
Key applications of 3D printing at the Seville brewery include:
- Safety Enhancements: Bright red 3D printed safety latches prevent accidental machine startups during maintenance, enhancing employee safety.
- Functional Parts: The team has successfully replaced various machine components with 3D printed parts, such as redesigned conveyor belt guides that prevent bottle blockages, thereby improving line efficiency.
- Maintenance Tools: Custom tools like stopper tools and toroidal rubber cutters are now 3D printed, reducing production costs by 70% and delivery times from several days to just hours.
Material Selection and Global Adoption
Heineken’s choice of materials for 3D printing includes Tough PLA, Nylon, and TPU 95A, selected for their durability and suitability for various applications within the brewery. The success of 3D printing in Seville has prompted Heineken to explore scaling these benefits across its global operations. By sharing digital designs across its network, the company can produce parts on-demand, reducing reliance on external suppliers and minimizing environmental impact due to decreased transportation needs.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Cheers to Innovation!
Heineken’s strategic integration of 3D printing and ongoing research and development efforts reflect its dedication to innovation and operational excellence. By embracing advanced manufacturing technologies, the company not only enhances its production capabilities but also positions itself to navigate the complexities of global trade and economic fluctuations. As Heineken continues to invest in innovation, it sets a precedent for the brewing industry, demonstrating how traditional businesses can evolve and thrive in the modern era.
