Okanagan researcher creating system to reuse wine industry waste

A group of researchers are trying to create a system where the waste from the beverage industry across the Okanagan can be turned into something more.

Okanagan College student Benedikt Braun grew up around vineyards in Germany and now he’s part of a team trying to make the local wine and beverage industry more sustainable, according to a press release from the college.

“I’ve always felt a deep connection to wine and nature,” Braun said in the release. “Being able to support the industry in new and innovative ways is very exciting. We are working directly with industry partners on ways to support our community.”

The applied research department is going to survey wineries, cideries, breweries and other drink makers from the U.S. border to Revelstoke and the Similkameen Valley. The plan is to measure byproducts, track disposal practices and make a map showing where the most byproducts are.

“As we gather a solid sample of data from local producers, our team will be able to explore how this material could be used in industrial applications,” director of applied research Kerry Rempel said in the release. “That’s where it gets really exciting. There’s so much untapped potential here to build resilience for producers and invest in sustainable solutions that can be replicated across the province.”

Then the researchers will work with regional partners like waste management companies and local governments to find a way to use those byproducts.

“British Columbia has a successful fermented beverage industry, and these businesses produce a large volume of by-products. Solutions are needed not only to improve sustainability but also to create new value for an industry facing growing pressures from climate change,” Rempel said.

Braun said the project is a way to combine his love of wine and sustainability.

“Working on this project allows me to merge my passion for winemaking with meaningful academic research,” Braun said. “Contributing to a study that supports sustainable practices in the beautiful Okanagan region feels both inspiring and fulfilling.”