In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Exploration of Sustainability*, researchers have demonstrated how integrating closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) and circular economy (CE) principles can significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote resource efficiency in the brewing industry. Led by Wu Hao from Hanyang University, the research highlights the potential for other energy-intensive sectors to adopt similar strategies, offering a blueprint for achieving sustainability goals.
The study focuses on Tsingtao Brewery, which implemented precision engineering techniques to achieve remarkable results. By treating wastewater with ±1% flow control and capturing 96.8% of carbon emissions, the brewery reduced its operational greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity by 35.7% and saved 8% water per unit of output. “These innovations not only cut costs but also align with global sustainability targets,” Wu Hao explained. “The key lies in integrating closed-loop systems and circular economy practices seamlessly.”
One of the standout innovations is the recovery of biomass from the brewing process, which can be used as organic fertilizer. This process yields 5–8 kg of biomass per 1,000 liters of beer, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural cycle. Additionally, the brewery recycles industrial-grade CO2 during fermentation, diverting 11,048 tons of CO2 equivalent annually. “This approach not only reduces emissions but also creates a valuable byproduct that can be reused in other industries,” Wu Hao added.
The study also emphasizes the importance of policy-enabled packaging loops, which have allowed Tsingtao Brewery to achieve a 90% glass reuse rate. However, the research identifies critical hotspots in the supply chain, particularly in raw material procurement, which accounts for 42% of emissions, and aluminum packaging, which has a significant carbon footprint of 10.12 kg CO2-eq per kilogram.
Cross-industry benchmarking reveals that Tsingtao’s carbon intensity of 6.26 kg CO2-eq per kiloliter outperforms the global average of 9.20 kg CO2-eq per kiloliter. However, the brewery lags behind sector leaders in aluminum recovery, with a rate of 26.7% compared to 35%. “To fully realize these gains, Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks must extend upstream to agriculture,” Wu Hao noted. “This holistic approach is essential for achieving China’s dual carbon targets and setting a precedent for other resource-intensive sectors.”
The research published in *Exploration of Sustainability* provides a transferable blueprint for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance resource circularity. By adopting similar strategies, companies can not only meet regulatory requirements but also gain a competitive edge in the market. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the integration of closed-loop supply chains and circular economy principles will be crucial in driving sustainable development and mitigating climate change.