By Andrea Begnini
The Caviro Group represents a virtuous example of circular economy in the Italian wine sector. Thanks to the commitment of more than 14,900 winemakers, the company not only produces high-quality wines, but also transforms processing waste into noble products, renewable energy and nutrients for the earth, creating a sustainable cycle that minimizes waste and emissions. This operating model is based on three basic pillars: withdraw, regenerate and give back, with the goal of returning to the earth what has been borrowed.
Take back: waste collection as a resource
Caviro’s activities begin in the vineyards, where passionately cultivated grapes are delivered to member wineries for vinification. After the wine is made, what remains from processing, such as marc and lees, is collected along with waste from the agri-food supply chains, as well as mowing and pruning from public green spaces. These materials, which would otherwise be considered waste, become the basis for new production processes. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tons of waste are thus destined to become new raw materials, avoiding the accumulation of waste and enhancing the value of each component of the production cycle. This process makes it possible not only to reduce waste production, but also to give new value to each element in the supply chain, turning what was considered waste into a valuable resource.
Regenerate: turning waste into added value
The regeneration phase is central to Caviro’s circular economy model. The collected waste is transformed into products with high added value. For example, through distillation processes, ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin is obtained, which is used in various industries. In addition, the processing of lees and marc yields natural tartaric acid, which is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Caviro Extra, a Group company, is a true“circular company” that deals with the recovery and valorization of waste from the wine and agrifood supply chains to obtain energy and 100% bio-based noble products. The offerings range from noble products, such as second-generation alcohol, tartaric acid and extracts, to fertilizers and renewable energy. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also creates new economic opportunities, demonstrating how sustainability can be effectively integrated into business. Through continuous investment in research and development, Caviro has improved the efficiency of its plants and increased its resource recovery capacity, achieving significant results in terms of the circular economy.
Give back: closing the loop with environmental and community benefits
The virtuous cycle is completed with the return phase. Products obtained from the regeneration of waste are put back into the market or used to improve the quality of farmland. For example, natural fertilizers are used to fertilize vineyards, improving soil health and the quality of future production. In addition, thermal and electrical energy generated from processing waste contributes to the farm’s energy self-sufficiency and powers local communities. This operating model has led Caviro to achieve energy self-sufficiency and the recovery of almost all waste, while also safeguarding a stork oasis just a stone’s throw from the Faenza plant, housing about a hundred specimens. The company recently inaugurated the largest agrivoltaic system on vineyards in Italy, with the goal of producing clean energy while reducing the climate impact on crops. This innovative system makes it possible to protect vines from extreme weather events, improving the resilience of agricultural production and contributing to the sustainable energy transition.
The circular economy model adopted by Caviro highlights how a sustainable approach can generate tangible benefits for both the environment and the economy. Through innovation and resource enhancement, the company demonstrates that it is possible to produce responsibly while ensuring product quality and respect for the land. This ongoing commitment to sustainability sets an example for the entire agribusiness sector and beyond to follow.
Cover photo by Thomas Schaefer from Unsplash
