Circular brewery: a transformational journey to the circular economy

Abstract

This chapter examines the integration of circular economy principles in the brewing industry, focusing on the transition from linear to circular production and resource-efficient models. Through a literature review and the analysis of different brewing companies, the research analyzes how the brewing industry implements circular practices and to what extent these approaches align with established theoretical principles.Key findings reveal significant potential of revalorizing brewery by-products, transforming these into animal feed, human food, bioactive compounds, or bioenergy. Innovative approaches such as wastewater recycling and biogas production further showcase the industry’s ability to close resource loops. Notable examples include a Swiss brewery, which implements advanced heat recovery systems and utilizes biogas for energy needs.Despite these advances, financial constraints, technical challenges, and regulatory barriers hinder widespread adoption, particularly for small breweries. This chapter underscores untapped opportunities, including Scope 3 emission reductions and enhanced by-product utilization. Achieving a fully circular brewing industry requires long-term investment, stakeholder collaboration, and consumer engagement.