Circular Economy is a strategic concept based on the reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling of materials and energy. It replaces the end-of-life concept of the linear economy, with new circular flows of reuse, restoration and renovation, in an integrated process. The circular economy is seen as a key element to promote the decoupling of economic growth and increased consumption of resources, a relationship hitherto seen as inevitable.
Source: ideiacircular.com
Circular Economy promotes a reorganised economic model, inspired by the mechanisms of natural ecosystems that manage long-term resources in a continuous process of resorption and recycling. It does so by coordinating production and consumption systems in closed circuits. It is characterised as a dynamic process that requires technical and economic compatibility (capacities and productive activities) but also requires a social and institutional framework (incentives and values). Circular Economy goes beyond the scope and strict focus of waste management and recycling actions, aiming instead at broader actions, such as redesigning processes, products and new business models to optimise the use of resources (“circulating” most efficiently), possible products, components and materials in technical and/ or biological cycle.
(eco.nomia, 2020)
Source: ideiacircular.com
Several members of the WASP reuse materials from the vineyard and cellar production processes that could be sent for recycling or disposed of in landfills, providing a new life for these materials in the day-to-day activities of the vineyards and cellars.
According to Decree-Law No. 73/2011, the definition of compost is the fertilising material resulting from controlled decomposition of organic waste, obtained by the composting process or by anaerobic digestion followed by composting.
The wine industry is fortunate in that most of the waste generated by the winemaking process is organic in nature and can be composted for direct use in vineyards, landscaping, or even in commercial composting operations. Organic waste streams also include paper, cardboard, filter paper, and food waste, which can also be incorporated into compost that is ultimately deposited into the soil. Overall, the composition of compost may include:
Several members of the WASP already process their organic waste in order to produce their own compost, thereby reducing landfill deposition, reducing their own dependence on hydrocarbon-based fertilisers, and consequently reducing their CO2 emissions.
