PR / Middleborough, MA (April, 2026) – Middleborough’s Harper Lane Brewery has been recognized as a “green beverage producer” by the BetterBev program. The distinction was awarded by the the Energy Transition Institute at UMass Amherst, which serves as one of the administrators of the BetterBev recognition program through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Pollution Prevention Program. Harper Lane joins a growing number of beverage producers in Massachusetts and beyond that have earned recognition for their environmentally conscious business practices. While brewing is resource-intensive by nature, there are many opportunities for most businesses to reduce their environmental impact and improve their bottom line.
A commitment to thoughtful standard operating procedures (SOPs) has helped Harper Lane achieve below average utility use of water, energy, and purchased CO2 (according to 2021 data from the Brewers Association), resulting in lower operating costs that help the brewery’s bottom line. Additionally, 99% of the electricity provided by the local utility, Middleborough Gas & Electric, comes from renewable and nuclear sources. Pair that with its decision to go with an electric brew house and Harper Lane’s emissions are significantly lower than similar sized breweries.
Another of its environmental attributes is sourcing local ingredients from Stone Path Malt and Four Star Farms, both of which are located in Massachusetts. Buying local decreases scope 3 delivery chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When the brewing process is complete, spent grains go to a local farm that uses them to supplement its animal feed. Harper Lane even has a local sales and distribution model, with more than three-quarters of its beer served at its taproom or sold as cans to go. That’s a big deal when you consider that packaging format and distribution is responsible for the most significant environmental impact of beer production.
The BetterBev program was launched to help beverage producers understand their environmental impact, increase efficiency, improve health and safety, conserve natural resources, and improve their businesses. Recognition is earned after a beverage producer’s local BetterBev administrator works with them to assess their environmental practices and impact. The process covers a range of criteria including water and energy use, waste, and even environmental culture. Learn more at betterbev.org.
About Harper Lane Brewery
Founded in 2017 by lifelong Middleborough resident and home brewer Mike Pasalacqua, Harper Lane Brewery operated as a tenant brewer (a brand that rents space/equipment and brews its beer at an existing commercial brewery) until opening its own brewery and taproom in Middleborough in January of 2024. The family-owned and community focussed brewery produces a wide variety of styles, sources primarily local ingredients, and offers gluten-reduced and non-alcoholic beverages.