Renhuai, Guizhou: Circular Economy Powers Green Transition in the Liquor Industry

The circular economy is an economic growth model centered on the efficient use and recycling of resources, aligned with the principles of sustainable development. In Renhuai City, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, distilleries and wastewater treatment plants are advancing circular practices through cooling water recycling, innovations in wastewater treatment, and collaborative efforts across the production chain. These initiatives enable the reuse of brewing by-products, improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption per unit of output—fostering green and low-carbon development in the liquor industry.

Picture of a distillery facility

Photo by Renhuai City Media Center

In addition to recycling water resources, wastewater from liquor production is also being transformed into valuable resources. At the Lanjiawan Liquor Wastewater Treatment Plant in Moutai Town, industrial effluents from hundreds of distilleries are comprehensively treated. The large volume of biogas generated during the process is collected in gas storage tanks and repurposed based on its properties. Notably, 60% of the methane gas produced is used to power the wastewater purification process itself, effectively realizing energy recycling.

Workers at a distillery

Photo by Renhuai City Media Center

Since 2021, Renhuai City has completed renovation and upgrading of 995 distilleries. After these upgrades, each facility now uses around 20 tonnes less water per tonne of liquor produced, with cooling water recycling rates exceeding 80%. Across the city, 189 treatment facilities have been built—including urban sewage treatment plants, integrated rural wastewater stations, and liquor wastewater treatment plants—achieving full coverage of wastewater collection and treatment in the core liquor production zone. The treated wastewater is recycled, significantly advancing green and sustainable practices in the liquor sector.

Equipment enabling energy recycling

Photo by Renhuai City Media Center