How Has the Wine Sector Incorporated the Premises of Circular Economy?

Abstract

Much has been done in the wine production sector to promote sustainable development. Given its relevance in the economy and in society, it is fundamental to align its activities with the optimal use of resources and the regeneration and restoration of the natural system in agreement with the premises set by the Circular Economy (CE). The main interest of this work was, through a systematic literature review, to identify in the revised studies how the wine sector has incorporated the premises of CE in its activities. Six topics define the concerns addressed: water, solid waste, energy, chemical use, land use and ecosystems, in different parts of the chain: viticulture, winemaking and distribution. From the evaluation of 41 selected empirical studies, no clear definition regarding CE was found; however, the detailed analysis reveals aspects which incorporate CE practices such as the reduction of waste disposal by its treatment and recovery, the best use of resources at all stages of the process chain and the need to rethink and redesign current practices. The specific subjects identified were waste recovery, alternative energy sources such as biofuels production and water quality improvement. Land use, ecosystem impacts, and use of agrochemicals were not considered.