The brewing process generally generates a unique, high-strength wastewater as a by-product. The wastewater typically has a high concentration of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from the carbohydrates and protein used in brewing beer. Brewery wastewater usually has a warm temperature (> 25°C).

The high level of soluble BOD and the warm temperature make brewery wastewater an ideal substrate for anaerobic treatment.

Financial or regulatory pressures can encourage brewery management to seek capital investment in the wastewater treatment area to reduce annual operating costs. The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) process, including the Extended Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) process are worldwide proven processes for the treatment of brewery waste water.