“Bošnjak Distillery and Brewery”, Village of Sičice, Nova Gradiška, Croatia
Bošnjak Beer & Gin is a family-run agricultural estate (OPG) from Sičice, near Nova Gradiška, founded by Mario and Marijana Bošnjak. Starting from humble beginnings in 2000, when they brewed beer in their home kitchen, they have evolved into pioneers of the Croatian craft beer scene.
They are an example of a successful blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainable business practices, contributing to the development of the local community and the promotion of Croatian craft products.
The Bošnjak Brewery from Sičice, a family farm, applies several principles of the circular economy in its operations:
1. Use of local raw materials and closing the production loop
Bošnjak Brewery grows its own brewing barley on its own fields, eliminating the need for imported raw materials and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. The barley is then sent to nearby Nova Gradiška, where it is turned into malt—a key beer ingredient. This process creates a local, closed production chain: from field to glass.
– This practice not only reduces the ecological footprint but also strengthens the local economy and enables greater control over product quality.
2. Innovative use of surplus – gin made from beer
One of the best examples of circular economy at Bošnjak is the production of MB 72 craft gin made from beer. Instead of discarding unsold or surplus beer, it is used for gin distillation, to which aromatic herbs and spices are added.
– This reduces waste, expands the product range, and maximizes resource utilization. It’s a concrete example of “upcycling”—transforming a product into something more valuable.
3. Using production residues as animal feed or fertilizer
Although not detailed in public sources, most small craft breweries (and possibly Bošnjak as well) use brewing residues (known as “spent grain”) as livestock feed or compost. If they do, it represents another example of closing the loop within their own agricultural estate.
– Instead of organic waste ending up in landfills, it is returned to the system as a resource—either for feeding livestock or as fertilizer.
4. Development of sustainable tourism and community education
Bošnjak Beer & Gin is not only a producer but also an educational destination. They organize guided tours, tastings, and workshops on beer and brandy production, all set in an authentic Slavonian environment.
– This creates added value: promoting local culture, educating consumers on sustainable practices, and developing year-round rural tourism—which is rare in Eastern Croatia.
5. Collaboration with local and regional partners
As part of the EU project “Shared Cultural Heritage – A Foundation for Connecting People and Places”, Bošnjak took part in an initiative that connects producers from Slavonia and Vojvodina. Through such projects, mutual exchange of knowledge, raw materials, and markets is encouraged—another form of circular thinking in a regional context.
– Instead of competition—cooperation, resource sharing, and joint growth.
Conclusion
Bošnjak Beer & Gin applies several key principles of the circular economy:
This shows how even small family farms can become leaders in sustainability and innovation in rural areas.
