Beer brewing is a thriving industry, with millions of people around the world enjoying a cold brew after a long day. Globally, the average person drinks 24 litres per year, being the alcoholic drink industry’s biggest player in volume and value. However, the process of brewing beer can have significant environmental impacts, from the production of raw materials like barley and hops, to the energy used during the brewing process, water consumption and the disposal of waste products like spent grains, wastewater, bagasse, and biogenic gasses. That’s where the circular economy comes in!
What is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is a system of production and consumption that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, reducing waste disposal and creating a closed loop of materials. Instead of a traditional linear economy, where resources are extracted, used, and then disposed of, the circular economy focuses on regenerating and reusing materials in a continuous cycle.
Applying the Circular Economy to Beer Brewing
The beer brewing industry is a prime candidate for the circular economy approach, due to the high number of by-products that are currently underused. With a few adjustments to the brewing process and supply chain, brewers can drastically reduce their environmental impact and create a more sustainable industry. Here are a few ways circular economy principles can be applied to beer brewing:
The Benefits of a Circular Economy Approach to Beer Brewing
Implementing circular economy principles in beer brewing can have numerous benefits, both for the environment and for the brewery itself. Here are a few key advantages:
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