Vinasse management for the advancement of circular economy in Campos dos Goytacaces’ sucro-energetic industry

Brazil ranks as the top sugarcane producer globally and is the second highest ethanol producer. The sugar-energy sector is central to the country's economic growth and energy independence but it has caused significant environmental damages, such as contamination of soil, water, and air, as well as water scarcity and loss of biodiversity. It was hypothesized that Improving water management and vinasse handling within bioethanol production can reduce the water footprint substantially without increasing water withdrawals. Additionally, transferring water from industrial to agricultural sectors and using recycled water may significantly enhance sugarcane yield. Field studies and data analysis from a sugar and ethanol plant in Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil, were conducted to evaluate water efficiency and vinasse management practices. The results indicate that sustainable water management strategies can be effectively integrated into existing bioethanol production systems, offering considerable improvements in resource use and environmental impact that are relevant to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and energy production. Findings indicate that improving water management within bioethanol production has the potential to lower the water footprint by as much as 34 %, without increasing withdrawal rates. Moreover, intersectoral water transfer from industry to agriculture and incorporating recycled water has the potential to boost sugarcane yields by up to 79 %. • Water efficiency and vinasse management assessment for a sugar-ethanol plant in Brazil. • Innovative methods like membrane filtration and anaerobic digestion boost sustainable sugarcane in Brazil. • Research shows a holistic approach can cut sugarcane bioethanol water footprint by up to 34 %. • Modernizing the industry boosts productivity, cuts environmental impact, and supports Brazil's sugarcane economy. • The study strengthens the sugarcane industry in an eco-conscious food market.