Carbonated water: why is it missing in supermarkets?

l’carbon dioxide to gasify bottled water is becoming increasingly scarce in Italian supermarkets. About a month ago, manufacturers sounded the alarm. In large-scale distribution and small markets, the lack of bottles sparkling water is it concrete or is it running out. If this does not solve the problem, carbonated drinks are also added.

The problem is related to the shortage of carbon dioxide needed for production. The price of the CO2 required for the production lines is increased of 7 times. With tanks increased from 3 thousand euros to 21 thousand with a relative delay in deliveries. Moreover, gas is impossible to obtain, even at high prices. The sparkling water supply was not guaranteed in August and now September will also suffer.

The carbon dioxide crisis is not limited to Italy. England had to go through the same crisis. Before we look at the real causes of carbon dioxide scarcity, let’s see where it applies. It applies to food industry. In addition to water and carbonated drinks, it is useful for tapping beer and other drinks. In addition, also to store and cool food for longer. Then in the sector agricultural, its use in greenhouses for plants and on farms to stun animals before slaughter. Moreover, even in the field sanitary for instrument sterilization and diagnostic testing.

l’inflation it has significantly increased the cost of energy materials and hence CO2 has also been affected. In this state of carbon dioxide scarcity, companies have decided to prioritize the medical and agricultural sectors. This is why carbonated water and carbonated drinks have been, are, and will be affected.

Why is the carbon dioxide in the air not being used? Despite his high presence in the sky, his concentration instead it is relative low. Taking it off the air would be a very difficult and expensive operation, also in energy terms and not just economically. In addition, it is also not very sustainable and very polluting.

Moderns can be used to increase CO2 production bioreactors by adapting them, in addition to methane, to the extraction of this gas. Also, there may soon be a new problem, that of the lack from nitrogen-, necessary to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria in hard bottles. At that point, the entire water and beverage chain would be in crisis.