As such, the metal is ideal for every aspect of alcohol production, from fermentation and aging of wine and spirits to the storage and distribution of the world’s best brews.

Read on to find out some other specific ways stainless steel has influenced the alcohol industry.

Wine Production

It’s a commonly known fact that wine gets better with age. But in addition to how long a wine is aged, what it’s stored in during that aging process can make the difference between producing a mediocre vino and an award-winning vintage.

To store wine for long periods without spoilage requires a material that is easy to fabricate, strong and resistant to a highly acidic environment. Which is why stainless steel is the preferred material in all stages of the wine production process.

The introduction of stainless steel tanks in the 1950s and 60s was advantageous, as they were easy to keep clean and limited wine loss—one of the biggest limitations of oak barrels, the preferred container up until the 19^th century.

In addition to sanitary reasons, stainless steel tanks ensure that no additional aromatic components are expressed in the wine. This allows for the grapes to convey their own aromas, making the finished wines crisper and fruitier than those fermented in a barrel.

Additionally, compared to oak barrels, stainless tanks are extremely durable and can be reused again and again. Unlike other materials, stainless steel does not develop permanent discoloration and remains visibly hygienic.

Tequila Fermentation & Distillation

Tequila—a distilled Mexican beverage made from the blue agave plant—is more often associated with margaritas and Cinco de Mayo than steel. But the material is vital to the production of this alcohol.

In addition to hygienic properties, stainless steel vats, which are used during the fermentation of tequila, do not impart any additional flavors into the mixture of blue agave juice and mosto, the distinctive water of the beverage.

Because no leeching occurs in either the fermentation or distillation process when stainless steel is used, the resulting tequila “blanco” is clear in color and solely the result of the fermentation of the agave juice and spring water.

Stainless steel is a neutral container that allows the natural elements of the blue agave to be fully experienced, enabling nature to create a unique flavor without adding any of its own character.

Moonshine Packaging

Once prohibited in America, moonshine, an unaged booze usually made from corn, has gone from the shelves of elusive speakeasies to the front and center of the alcohol industry.

Stillhouse is one of the brands responsible for the current moonshine renaissance. To give the brand an improved and stronger identity, its packaging recently underwent a bit of a facelift.

The company has abandoned the glass bottle altogether and started packaging its product in stainless steel cans that closely resemble old-fashioned turpentine cans. (Which is appropriate, considering the liquor’s age-old reputation of being notoriously potent.)

The switch to stainless—a spirits industry first—isn’t just for branding purposes. There’s also the practical aspect that a steel can doesn’t break like glass. It also holds temperature especially well, which is important for those consumers who like to keep their booze frigid.

Beer Cups

More than 200,000 cups made from stainless steel smelted in Sheffield, England will be handed out to merrymakers at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. The initiative, which has been three years in the making, is part of organizers’ efforts to reduce the amount of waste produced on the site of the festival.

Rather than using copper, which can react with beer, and pewter, which can affect the taste of the beverage, the cups utilize food-grade stainless steel, which doesn’t affect the beverages it comes into contact with.

The initiative also encourages other UK businesses to think about how they can support the British steel industry as it experiences a slump.

For festivalgoers that do decide to keep their cups, they are encouraged to reuse them following the event. After all, steel is one of the most recyclable-friendly materials in existence.

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While some believe modern architecture is a result of social and political revolutions, others believe it is a result of technological and engineering advancements. No matter which perspective you share, steel has been a part of the construction of homes since the 1920s. Because steel is lightweight and adaptable, it is the perfect material for sturdy frames that are eco-friendly and long-lasting. Steel is also energy-efficient and recyclable. Steel outlasts other building materials, offering improved safety and resistance to wear and mold.

Home, Steel, Home

Here are 7 examples of inspirational residential buildings which incorporate Steel in the Home.

 (Click here for details.)

1. Fallingwater: Frank Lloyd Wright

Fallingwater is famed as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most beautiful works. Constructed around its natural settings, it is made mostly of stone, concrete and steel. Fallingwater features strong horizontal and vertical lines that are characteristic of modern architecture. (Images: http://bit.ly/1K8Do70) 

2. McCraith House: Chancellor and Patrick

Commonly referred to as the Butterfly House for its unique geometric shape, the McCraith House is exemplary of modern architecture. Its steel triangular structure represents the simplification that is prominent in this era of design. (Image: http://bit.ly/1Jjcvu9)

3. The Glass House: Philip Johnson

Thought to be influenced by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House design, the Glass house is an example of early use of industrial materials such as charcoal-painted steel and glass walls. (Image: http://bit.ly/1CIleZy)

4. Schindler Chace House: Rudolph Schindler

The Schindler Chace House was meant to serve as a cooperative living-work space for two young families. Building the hose was almost halted due to the local planning authorities for its radical methods of construction. (Image: http://bit.ly/1MviGym)

5. Farnsworth House: Mies vander Rohe

This glass and steel house was designed as a one-room weekend retreat. It is widely recognized as an iconic masterpiece of International Style of Architecture. (Image: http://bit.ly/1J1xHZN)

6. Lovell House: Richard Neutra

The Lovell House is often described as the first steel frame house in the U.S. The house is simple and minimal, and its strong lines exhibit the themes of modernism architecture. Lovell first commissioned Rudolf Schindler to build his residence, though later chose Neutra for the design. (Image: http://bit.ly/1CIlkAA)

7. Capel Manor House: Michael Manser

Another house of glass and steel, the Capel Manor House was built as a labor-saving replacement for a 26-bedroom mansion, once owned by Jane Austen’s fore family. The steel frame is exposed both internally and externally and the house shows Manser’s interest in geometry. (Image: http://bit.ly/1f5Hx0t)

Just about everything – from the roof over your head to the device you’re reading this on – contains steel. It is one of the most commonly used materials in the world and has been for quite some time.

World crude steel production added up to about 1.662 billion tons in 2014, based on the 2014 World Crude Steel Production Performances reported by the World Steel Association (worldsteel). Yet despite these numbers, the outlook for the steel industry suggests slow growth for global steel demand, which is mostly a result of the deceleration in China and structural adjustments in most world economies.

Nevertheless, The World Steel Association’s Short Range Outlook (SRO) for 2015 and 2016 notes that even though the growth is expected to be slow, demand is still growing. They forecast that the apparent steel growth will increase by 0.5% in 2015 and 1.4% in 2016. Additionally, in developing and emerging nations, there is an increased optimism for growth, as the steel markets are beginning to exhibit the characteristics of mature markets.

For more information on The World Steel Association’s expected outcomes for 2015 and 2016, click here.

So, which countries claim the spots of the world’s top steel producers for now? Read on to find out and to learn some interesting steel-related facts about each.

5. South Korea

Crude Steel Production: 71 million tons

Interesting Fact:

Rising 270 meters above sea level, The Yi Sun-shin Bridge was opened in 2012 and links the cities of Gwangyang and Yeosu. It is the first suspension bridge to be made solely with Korean state-of-the-art technology and equipment, including 26,000 tons of steel rods and 24,000 tons of steel products. Extending 2,260 meters, it is the longest in Korea and the fourth longest in the world, surpassing even the Golden Gate Bridge. (Source: http://bit.ly/1crFdzx)

4. India

Crude Steel Production: 83.2 million tons

Interesting Fact:

The Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship, is one of Delhi’s most iconic architectural feats and was designed in the form of a lotus flower to symbolize the religion’s cornerstones of purity and simplicity. The lotus has three sets of leaves or petals which are made out of thin concrete shells. At the top, a glass and steel roof provides protection from the elements and facilitates the entry of natural light. The temple also utilizes a number of steel reinforcements and structural steel staging. (Source: http://bit.ly/1zWQCTh)

3. United States

Crude Steel Production: 88.3 million tons

Interesting Fact:

In 1943, more than 1 billion pennies were made with steel because the United States was, at the time, engaged in World War II and copper was being rationed to make artillery. Steel pennies weigh 2.70 grams and are fairly lighter than traditional copper Lincoln pennies that weigh 3.11 grams. Today, these pennies are quite popular among coin collectors and are worth about 25-75 cents each. (Source: http://bit.ly/1cooLjx)

2. Japan

Crude Steel Production: 110.7 million tons

Interesting Fact:

Tokyo Tower, a communications and observation tower in Japan’s capital city, was built in 1958. It was constructed of steel, a third of which was scrap metal taken from 90 US tanks damaged in the Korean War. At 4,000 tons, it is significantly lighter than the Eiffel Tower, which weighs 7,000 tons, a result of exceptional advances in construction technology and steel manufacturing. (Source: http://bit.ly/1K3tHbS)

1. China

Crude Steel Production: 822.7 million tons

Interesting Fact:

The Chinese were the first people to combine carbon and iron to make steel. They’ve been making it since the first century BC in blast furnaces powered by the Asian monsoon winds. In recent years, they’ve become the world’s largest producer of steel, and consume twice as much steel as the US, Europe and Japan combined. (Source: http://bit.ly/1KzAKpG)

Production rates according to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) 2014 World Crude Steel Production Performances.

“Grab me a cold one.”

We often say as we walk into a bar or a kitchen. And, there is no doubt that ice-cold beer is the best quencher in any occasion. Speaking of cold beer, when we think about drinks in various types of containers, the beverages in cans seem to chill faster and deliver a fresher taste. Especially, steel cans are durable and convenient yet prevalent in everyday living. What makes steel packaging so great? Even a superhero, Man of Steel, is named after this material. Let’s discover more about it from now.

Advantages of Steel Packaging

• Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. From eco-bags to reusable batteries, consumers and brand owners are becoming increasingly aware of issues such as recycling rates. Among the plethora of sustainable materials, steel embodies a special meaning since it is 100% recyclable. Moreover, steel packaging for food can be endlessly recycled without losing any of its quality. Especially due to its magnetic properties, steel can be sorted out easily by a magnetic classifier. This advantage contributes to its easy and low-cost recycling process, encouraging more reuses of steel. In fact, more than 50% of global steel production is generated from steel scrap.
  Canned products don’t require the energy of refrigeration during storage. In addition, as steel packaging technology advances, the steel packaging is getting stronger and lighter while requiring less material in production process. The lighter weight of the packaging allows more product to be shipped using less fuel – meaning less money and better environment. Steel packaging’s unlimited reusability and adaptability are worth to compare with the Man of Steel, the human race’s eternal superhero.

• Designer’s Paradise When you walk in to a giant grocery store or a convenient store anywhere in city areas, a vibrant collection of diverse soda cans is a hard thing to miss. The flexile and easily applicable quality of steel allows steel cans to adopt millions of trendy and interesting designs, which appeal strongly to the consumers. Steel cans can be applied with tactile finishes of distinctive quality, leading designers and brand owners to benefit from the material’s outstanding characteristics. From embossing, matte finishes, leather-like coatings and lacquering, the array of innovative decorations is not bound to a limit. Splendid colors of steel packaging surely let the beverage cans to stand out on a crowded shelf at the store.
  Some of the large global companies are collaborating with designers or brands to create an extraordinary steel packaging that bestows a premium value and a unique aesthetic quality. Moreover, despite the economical impression of tins, many manufacturers are using steel packaging for high-end cosmetic products or luxurious candles as an innovative means of powerful consumer appeal.

• Safety First
  In every scene of summer vacation at the beach or by the pool, the existence of soda cans and food cans doesn’t seem so surprising. It is almost natural to hold a drink can at sporting events and concerts whereas beer bottles or any other glass container are often prohibited due to safety reasons. Cans, especially steel cans, are safe because they don’t shatter.Steel can’s durability is only one of many safety benefits of the material. Canned fruits and vegetables are sealed in steel cans within a short time after harvesting. And during the canning process, micro-organisms that could affect the food quality are eliminated by heating the sealed steel container. After all these packing procedures, the food inside stays its freshness for a long period as its steel packaging provides perfect protection against oxygen, light, moisture and other contaminants.

More about Steel Cans, Steel Packaging Council
Among millions of councils in the world, there is a special council for steel packaging as well. The steel packaging promotes steel as a choice of material for a variety of products by expanding the viability of steel packaged products with consumers and brand owners. According to the information from the Canned Food Alliance (CFA), the Steel Packaging Council is a founding member of the CFA. As the alliance consists of steel makers, food processors and affiliate members of the industry, the Steel Packaging Council fosters steel-based solutions to develop existing markets to a great extent. American Iron and Steel Institute specifies that investors of the council are USS-POSCO Industries, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ArcelorMittal USA LLC, United States Steel Corporation, Severstal North America and more. These investor companies provide materials that are used to make steel food cans that embellish our daily lifestyles. In this respect, POSCO is currently producing and supplying black plate which is a prior material of tin plate, the key material of steel can production.

While providing such safety and convenience to people around the world, steel packaging are preserving resources for future generation to live in a better world. This amazing qualities that contribute to the human race, certainly seem similar to the Man of Steel who is all about the world peace without asking anything in return. With excellent recycling abilities, unique design qualities and the consumer-friendly features, it seems that steel packaging has the potential to surpass the value that Superman offers.

Check out the cool infographics below for more interesting stories!

• http://steelcan.com/
• http://www.smartcansolutions.com/pdfs/Steel_Food_Can_Facts.pdf

Revolutionary Features of Korea’s New Landmark, Northeast Asia Trade Tower

#1. 3-Dimensional Exterior Design Minimizes the Effect of Wind Load

POSCO Engineering & Construction, the construction arm of Korea’s top steelmaker POSCO, applied its most innovative and cutting-edge technology in the construction of NEAT Tower, the tallest building in Korea. To minimize the effect of wind load on the building, the tower was constructed under a 3-dimensional exterior design which features a trapezoid at the base which gradually transforms into a triangle at the top.

#2. Seismic Force Resisting System Utilizing Belt Truss and Outriggers

NEATT’ s main frame system consists of 27 perimeter columns, six corner mega columns, a core wall, and an outrigger/belt truss, all of which are systemically integrated. The core wall takes about 65% of the total gravity load and 70% of the total overturning moment due to wind load. The outrigger systems are installed on the 34^th and 65^th floors of NEATT and the structural design was performed in such a way that the axial load developed in columns due to the outrigger’s share of the overturning moment could also be resisted safely. The outrigger and belt system takes 30% of the overturning moment.

The core walls and columns of NEATT, an SRC structural building, were constructed with 12,841 tons of POSCO’s globally renowned high-strength reinforced concrete and SD40 reinforcing bars. The corner mega column was, for the first time in the construction of skyscrapers in Korea, built with 7,870 tons of SMC570TMC steel. The glass curtain wall enveloping the exterior was installed using low-emissivity glass. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metal layers that are deposited on a window surface to help keep heat on the same side of the glass from which it originated. Glass with Low-E coatings reflect infrared light while allowing visible light, keeping the movement between interior and exterior heat to a minimum.

* Technical specifications of the Northeast Asia Trade Tower referenced from “NEATT Design of Structural System,” Dong Yang Structural Engineers Co., 2014.

#3. High Level Security and Anti-Disaster Measures

As the landmark building of Korea, Northeast Asia Trade Tower boasts high level security and anti-disaster measures. For example, it deployed global positioning system (GPS) sensors to help ensure the real-time measurement of vibration, displacement or deformation in the building caused by external factors, making it possible to preemptively identify any issues that could compromise the safety or structural integrity of the building. Additionally, the Seismic Force Resisting System can withstand magnitude 7-8 earthquakes.

In addition, the anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. The 30^th and 60^th floors each have a shelter that can accommodate up to 4,000 occupants safely and promptly in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. The building has 29 elevators operating at a speed of 420 meters per minute and capable of carrying users from the ground floor to the observatory on the 65^th floor within one minute.

< The anti-disaster control center located on the first basement floor provides the ability to centrally monitor the power supply, lighting, CCTV system, access control and other utility services. >

Going Green: A Striking Example of Sustainable Design

NEATT serves as a model of sustainable design strategies, carefully balancing energy conservation, increased indoor environmental quality, and occupant comfort. With a range of passive design strategies such as daylighting, natural ventilation and energy-efficient HVAC systems, the tower targets to achieve LEED^® Silver certification.

Like other buildings in New Songdo City, NEATT purchases district hot water from a new, highly efficient cogeneration facility located nearby. Hot water, used for heating and cooling via absorption chillers, is generated from waste heat recovered during the process of producing electricity. The building is estimated to reduce source-energy CO2 emissions by 6,000 tons per year when compared to a “standard” code-compliant office tower with on-site electric chillers and a natural-gas boiler plant.

Furthermore, the paint, carpets and wallpaper used in the construction of the building’s interior were of eco-friendly, non-toxic material in order to prevent the occurrence of Sick Building Syndrome.

* NEATT sustainability design features referenced from articles by ARUP and Built Expressions

<A Night View of the NEAT Tower and Songdo International Business District, Incheon>

The Northeast Asia Trade Tower is expected to boost the regional economy along with an increase in floating population, markets, employment and visitors from overseas once companies move into the building. Moreover, it appears to give momentum to draw more businesses to Songdo International Business District since clients of Daewoo International and other companies engaged in the related fields are expected to move into the building. We hope that NEAT tower will soon become Korea’s most well-known landmark in the days to come!