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The rise in fisheries production worldwide has caused a remarkable increase in associated anthropogenic waste. This poses significant concerns due to adverse environmental impacts and economic losses. Owing to its renewability, high abundance, and potential as a rich source of many nutrients and bioactive compounds, strategies have been developed to convert fish waste into different value-added products. Conventional and improved methods have been used for the extraction of biomolecules from fish waste. The extracted fish waste-derived value-added products such as enzymes, peptides, fish oil, etc. have been used to fortify different food products. This review aims to provide an overview of the nature and composition of fish waste, strategies for extracting biomolecules from fish waste, and the potential application of fish waste as a source of calcium and other nutrients in food fortification and animal feed has been discussed. In context to fishery waste mitigation, valorization, and circular bioeconomy approach are gaining momentum, aiming to eliminate waste while producing high-quality value-added food and feed products from fishery discards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly concerned about cosmetic ingredients' origin, looking more than ever to sustainable and greener formulations. The Natural Park of Montesinho, located in Portugal, is characterized by an enormous fauna and flora diversity. Among them, beeswax and strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) have attracted the cosmetic researchers' interest due to their bioactive compounds' richness, particularly fatty acids and phenolic compounds. The main goal of this study was to develop an innovative cosmetic product with antioxidant properties composed by both matrices. Briefly, samples were obtained in the Natural Park of Montesinho in October 2022. Beeswax was analysed for lipid profile and contaminants, while extracts were obtained from fruits by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using water as a solvent. The effect of extraction time (15–90 min) was studied on the total phenolic content (TPC), in vitro antioxidant/antiradical activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity. The beeswax lipid profile presented a high incidence of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The extract obtained at 60 min presented the highest TPC (30.27 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant/antiradical activities (ABTS = 30.36 mg AAE/g dw; DPPH = 43.83 mg TE/g dw; FRAP = 415.61 µmol FSE/g dw). An IC50 of 19.78 µg/mL was achieved for the hypochlorous acid, while for superoxide radical and peroxyl radical the IC50 were, respectively, 90.51 µg/mL and 0.19 µmol TE/mg dw. The phytochemical profile revealed a high content of gallic acid, and catechin and its derivatives. The hydrophilic cream developed revealed ideal technological parameters, particularly its stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beer and spirits are two of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, and their production generates enormous amounts of by-product materials. This ranges from spent grain, spent yeast, spent kieselguhr, trub, carbon dioxide, pot ale, and distilled gin spent botanicals. The present circular economy dynamics and increased awareness on resource use for enhanced sustainable production practices have driven changes and innovations in the management practices and utilization of these by-products. These include food product development, functional food applications, biotechnological applications, and bioactive compounds extraction. As a result, the brewing and distilling sector of the food and drinks industry is beginning to see a shift from conventional uses of by-products such as animal feed to more innovative applications. This review paper therefore explored some of these valorization initiatives and the current state of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singapore, being a land-scarce country, imports more than 90% of the food supply, which poses a challenge in ensuring food security. In the last five years, Singapore, with a population of 5.9 million, generated approximately 759 tonnes of food waste on average, thus further deepening food security challenges and imposing enormous pressure on the country's food and land resources. The Zero Waste Plan and the 30-by-30 food security goal initiated by the Singapore government focus on reducing waste and improving resource efficiency and encourage the collective efforts from the local agri-food businesses to sustainably provide 30% of Singapore's nutritional requirements by 2030. In recent years, valorizing food waste streams into higher-value products has been an increasing trend in tackling food wastage and offering a new source of food ingredients. Food wastes such as okara, spent barley grains, and fruit and vegetable wastes have been successfully valorized into a variety of prototypes by local research and development capabilities for food and agricultural applications. However, food waste valorization faces various challenges, i.e., infrastructure development, economy viability, consumer awareness, collaborative partnership, regulatory support, and data management. This review serves as a reference for other countries in ensuring food security and achieving sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, large numbers of people suffer from undernourishment and food insecurity, while a third of food produced is lost or wasted. The widely cultivated cashew nut produces large quantities of waste in early processing. It grows on an edible peduncle called the cashew apple which contains many essential nutrients. An estimated 36.9 million tons of cashew apples are produced annually, but only small amounts are used to make juice. The remainder is considered production waste. This review presents the potential of cashew apple pomace as a food ingredient and examines the effects of incorporation on chemical composition, physical properties and sensory evaluation. Inclusion in optimized amounts into food products is a strategy proven to produce palatable results with high acceptability. Transforming this manufacturing by-product into a functional food component will have economic benefits, improve resource-utilization, promote sustainability and potentially increase the nutritional value of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mexican oregano by-products are a source of bioactive molecules (polyphenols) that could be extracted using solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study fermented the by-products via SSF (120 h) with a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Sequentially, a bioactive and chemical determination was made according to the phenolic content, antioxidant activity (DPPH●/FRAP), bioactive properties (α-amylase inhibition and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli), and chemical composition (HPLC-MS). The results showed that the total phenolics and flavonoid content, as well as the antioxidant activity, increased (0.60, 2.55, and 3.01 times, respectively) during the SSF process compared with unfermented material. Also, the extracts showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli and α-amylase inhibition. These inhibitory results could be attributed to bioactive compounds identified via HPLC, such as gardenin B, trachelogenin, ferulic acid, and resveratrol 3-O-glucoside. Therefore, the application of L. mesenteroides under SSF on oregano by-products comprises an eco-friendly strategy for their valorization as raw materials for the recovery of phenolic compounds that could be natural alternatives against synthetic antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, promoting a more circular and sustainable supply system within the oregano industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorization of fruit and vegetable side-streams from the juice industry is an important contribution to the optimization of food resources and is an environmentally friendly practice in line with the concepts of circular economy and sustainability. The aim of this work is to incorporate them back into the food value chain by adding them as ingredients in staple foods like crackers. This is also important in terms of food fortification, as they are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Crackers are popular snacks with a huge global market value, enjoyed by consumers of all ages. The current study aims to integrate flour from dried apple and carrot pomaces, resulting from juice processing, as natural ingredients with potential health benefits. The incorporation levels ranged from 20 to 40% dry weight in crackers, and their impact on physicochemical and mechanical properties was evaluated, as well as bioactivity (potential impact on health) and sensory acceptance. The addition of pomaces resulted in significant changes in texture and color, as well as enhancing the antioxidant activity of the crackers. Crackers containing pomace flours, except for the cracker with 40% carrot pomace, showed a high overall sensory acceptability and good intentions to buy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper sludge consists mainly of wet short cellulose fibers that are lost during papermaking and of residual chemicals used in the manufacturing process that remain dissolved in the water. Each ton of paper generates about 40–50 kg of dry sludge, of which 70% is primary sludge. Paper production, which exceeded 400 million tons globally in 2020, generates vast volumes of solid waste. Primary sludge is usually fiber-rich and hence suitable to be recycled back into the papermaking process. However, if the sludge is to be disposed of in landfills, sustainable practices must be developed in order to recover the fibers as they are valuable source for manufacturing high value-added products. This study investigates the valorization of paper sludge discarded by a filter paper manufacturer, with the purpose of producing cellulose acetate films for food packaging. The process involves recovering cellulose fibers from the sludge, purifying them and through acetylation reaction produce cellulose acetate films. FTIR spectra confirmed successful acetylation of fibers and also that acetyl groups reduced the hydrophilicity of cellulose—the contact angle was increased to over 80° from 50° in native cellulose. The films exhibited very good water barrier properties at both 50% and 90% relative humidity (RH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High iron ore production generates substantial solid waste. Storing this waste in dams poses environmental issues and safety risks for the population. The aim of this study was to valorize sterile waste (IOT) from an inactive iron mine in the Nador region of northeastern Morocco, as an additive in the manufacture of fired bricks made from a red clay (AJH) extracted from the Oujda region. For this purpose, brick specimens were obtained using a mix of a 40% of AJH and 60% of IOT. Physico-chemical, geotechnical and mineralogical characterization techniques were applied to qualify raw material. IOT consisted of hematite, magnetite, pyrite, jarosite and quartz and AJH of kaolinite, chlorite, calcite, hematite, dolomite, quartz and vermiculite. After firing the specimens at 500 °C, 850 °C and 1100 °C, mineralogical composition, bulk density, compressive strength and microstructure behavior of the specimens was assessed. The compressive strength of the bricks containing IOT is 1.25 MPa at T = 500 °C and it varies little at 1100 °C. The compressive strength of the reference sample is 2.94 MPa at 1100 °C. The material has low vitrification and greater porosity compared to the reference bricks. Adding IOT brings significant changes to the color of fired bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant colours and unique flavour. While the fleshy pulp is widely consumed, the peels are often discarded as waste, leading to environmental concerns. However, recent studies have shown that dragon fruit peels possess various bioactive compounds that can be extracted and utilized for multiple applications. This study aims to explore the valorization of dragon fruit peels through extraction methods, thereby turning waste into valuable resources. Different green extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction, can be employed to optimize the extraction efficiency and yield. Furthermore, additional purification steps, such as filtration or chromatography, may be employed to obtain highly pure and concentrated extracts. The bioactive compounds from dragon fruit peels have shown promising potential in various fields. They exhibit antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity and have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Additionally, these extracts can be used as natural food colourants, functional ingredients in food and beverages, or additives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Utilizing this waste material can reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals and promote sustainable practices in industries.

Abstract This review article focuses on exploring the benefits, potentialities, and values of durian waste for food and other applications. In the domain of food applications, durian waste exhibits immense promise as a source of valuable compounds, including pectin, phenolic antioxidants, husk, and seed flour. Moreover, it serves as a viable material for the development of edible and bio-composite films, contributing to sustainable food packaging solutions. Beyond its relevance in the food industry, durian waste holds significance in non-food applications, particularly in the extraction and utilization of unique biomaterials, such as nanocellulose particles. These nanocellulose-based materials have garnered attention for their diverse applications including in the food industry. The various utilization methods and techniques were also discussed. The waste of durian contains nutritional values that provide great potential for valorization. In this review, it has been proved that durian waste should not be thrown away because it possesses great potential in terms of value-added products.

Up to one third of the food that is purposely grown for human sustenance is wasted and never consumed, with adverse consequences for the environment and socio-economic aspects. In India, managing food waste is a significant environmental concern. Food waste output is increasing in Indian cities and towns as a result of the country's urban expansion, modernization, and population growth. Poor management of food waste can have negative consequences for the environment and pose a risk to the public's health issues. This review focuses on the current challenges, management strategies, and future perspectives of food waste management in India. The efficient management of food waste involves a comprehensive study regarding the characterization of food waste and improved waste management methods. In addition, the government policies and rules for managing food waste that is in effect in India are covered in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leather processing industry produces a significant quantity of waste materials, which can be treated in a manner that is consistent with the concepts underlying the circular economy. This article provides an overview of ways to recycle substances or energy from tannery waste, such as thermal, biological, chemical and other procedures. These approaches have the potential to facilitate the recovery and recycling of a diverse range of recyclable chemical substances like chromium, fats, gelatin vitamins, hydrolysate and minerals, biomass, and microbial waste products for use in other manufacturing operations. All the methods related to leather waste valorization have been discussed in this study to illustrate the recent development in techniques and processes of leather waste. The incorporation of the concept of circular economy has also been depicted. The premise of the circular economy model is that any waste product from the leather industry may be recycled and utilized again in the leather-producing process or in other related sectors. This study demonstrates that the circular economy approach to leather production offers chances for collaboration and innovation across several industries. Collaboration among organizations may lead to the discovery of innovative methods to minimize waste, enhance productivity, and extract value from resources that would otherwise be disposed of. The overview also addresses the state of waste legislation today and how it affects the environment. Technologies for sustainable and intelligent valuation allow for high recycling levels without negatively impacting the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosurfactants have garnered increased attention lately due to their superiority of their properties over fossil-derived counterparts. While the cost of production remains a significant hurdle to surpass synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants have been anticipated to gain a larger market share in the coming decades. Among these, glycolipids, a type of low-molecular-weight biosurfactant, stand out for their efficacy in reducing surface and interfacial tension, which made them highly sought-after for various surfactant-related applications. Glycolipids are composed of hydrophilic carbohydrate moieties linked to hydrophobic fatty acid chains through ester bonds that mainly include rhamnolipids, trehalose lipids, sophorolipids, and mannosylerythritol lipids. This review highlights the current landscape of glycolipids and covers specific glycolipid productivity and the diverse range of products found in the global market. Applications such as bioremediation, food processing, petroleum refining, biomedical uses, and increasing agriculture output have been discussed. Additionally, the latest advancements in production cost reduction for glycolipid and the challenges of utilizing second-generation feedstocks for sustainable production are also thoroughly examined. Overall, this review proposes a balance between environmental advantages, economic viability, and societal benefits through the optimized integration of secondary feedstocks in biosurfactant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to demographic pressures and environmental imperatives, this study focuses on the valorization of Chamaerops humilis L. fruit in the Beni Mellal Khenifra region. The native palm, known as "Doum," holds nutritional and medicinal significance, prompting a detailed exploration. Extracts from its leaves and fruits have been historically used in traditional medicine, showcasing antioxidant properties and therapeutic effects on various ailments. This study seeks to optimize Chamaerops humilis L. fruit pulp powder production using the design of experiments (DOE) and physicochemical characterization. A full factorial design approach is applied to systematically optimize the process, focusing on key variables like Temperature and Time. Physicochemical analysis reveals essential details concerning pH (4.205), titratable acidity (1.47), moisture content (10.85%), and ash content (2.9325%). The study identifies optimal conditions, such as temperature = 65°C and time = 6 hours, for maximum yield and desirable properties. Additionally, water absorption (WAI) and solubility indices (WSI) are investigated, revealing the influence of drying and different agitation temperature. The Pareto diagram underscores the significant impact of these factors, contributing to our understanding of the quality parameters of Chamaerops humilis L. powder. The results offer valuable insights for sustainable practices in utilizing this botanical resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we aim to investigate the suitability of five samples of compost extracted at various concentrations by testing for their phytotoxic response on Lactuca sativa L. We analyze relevant parameters with regards to the quality of the compost. By doing this, we hope to contribute to the attainability of clean, high-value organic fertilizer from local food waste production. Method: We set up a mini composting pilot where raw materials were classified, chopped into bits, and finally mixed. They include residues of Solanum tuberosum (potatoes), Zea mays (corn), Musa Paradisiaca (bananas), Allium cepa (onions), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Daucus carota (carrots), Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes), as well as fruits such as Passiflora edulis (passion fruit), Carica papaya (papaya). Composting was run over a period of 90 days. We then measured several bromatological analyses of compost. For phytotoxicity tests of compost relative seed germination (RSG), relative radicle growth (RRG) and Germination Index GI on L. sativa were measured. Results: The prepared compost showed the following parameters: pH (8.6), OM (21.4%), C/N (11.59), EC (7.24 dS/m), Total N (1.72%), P (325.6 ppm), Al (0.1 cmol.kg-1) K (41 cmol.kg-1), Ca (8.12 cmol.kg-1), Mg (5.62 cmol.kg-1), Na (0.76 cmol.kg-1). Minor elements appeared in acceptable ranges, and do not pose any risk. Besides, the compost showed a germination rate of 112.6% on L. sativa, which allowed us to validate its high maturity. Conclusion: The compost produced stands out for its quality and efficiency, due to its low phytotoxicity, specific mixture of the materials and the processing method. The mature compost produced represents a valuable material for the acidic and nutrient-poor soils of the Colombian Piedmont. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we aim to investigate the suitability of five samples of compost extracted at various concentrations by testing for their phytotoxic response on Lactuca sativa L. We analyze relevant parameters with regards to the quality of the compost. By doing this, we hope to contribute to the attainability of clean, high-value organic fertilizer from local food waste production. Method: We set up a mini composting pilot where raw materials were classified, chopped into bits, and finally mixed. They include residues of Solanum tuberosum (potatoes), Zea mays (corn), Musa Paradisiaca (bananas), Allium cepa (onions), Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Daucus carota (carrots), Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes), as well as fruits such as Passiflora edulis (passion fruit), Carica papaya (papaya). Composting was run over a period of 90 days. We then measured several bromatological analyses of compost. For phytotoxicity tests of compost relative seed germination (RSG), relative radicle growth (RRG) and Germination Index GI on L. sativa were measured. Results: The prepared compost showed the following parameters: pH (8.6), OM (21.4%), C/N (11.59), EC (7.24 dS/m), Total N (1.72%), P (325.6 ppm), Al (0.1 cmol.kg−1) K (41 cmol.kg−1), Ca (8.12 cmol.kg−1), Mg (5.62 cmol.kg−1), Na (0.76 cmol.kg−1). Minor elements appeared in acceptable ranges, and do not pose any risk. Besides, the compost showed a germination rate of 112.6% on L. sativa, which allowed us to validate its high maturity. Conclusion: The compost produced stands out for its quality and efficiency, due to its low phytotoxicity, specific mixture of the materials and the processing method. The mature compost produced represents a valuable material for the acidic and nutrient-poor soils of the Colombian Piedmont. Research Highlights The generation of agri-food waste is a worldwide problem, especially in Latin America. Waste treatment technologies recover valuable materials. Composting as a circular economy strategy that contributes to sustainable food security. The compost can be highly convenient for its application in acidic and nutrient-poor soils.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about cosmetic ingredients’ origin, looking more than ever to sustainable and greener formulations. The Natural Park of Montesinho, located in Portugal, is characterized by an enormous fauna and flora diversity. Among them, beeswax and strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) have attracted the cosmetic researchers’ interest due to their bioactive compounds’ richness, particularly fatty acids and phenolic compounds. The main goal of this study was to develop an innovative cosmetic product with antioxidant properties composed by both matrices. Briefly, samples were obtained in the Natural Park of Montesinho in October 2022. Beeswax was analysed for lipid profile and contaminants, while extracts were obtained from fruits by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using water as a solvent. The effect of extraction time (15–90 min) was studied on the total phenolic content (TPC), in vitro antioxidant/antiradical activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity. The beeswax lipid profile presented a high incidence of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The extract obtained at 60 min presented the highest TPC (30.27 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant/antiradical activities (ABTS = 30.36 mg AAE/g dw; DPPH = 43.83 mg TE/g dw; FRAP = 415.61 µmol FSE/g dw). An IC50 of 19.78 µg/mL was achieved for the hypochlorous acid, while for superoxide radical and peroxyl radical the IC50 were, respectively, 90.51 µg/mL and 0.19 µmol TE/mg dw. The phytochemical profile revealed a high content of gallic acid, and catechin and its derivatives. The hydrophilic cream developed revealed ideal technological parameters, particularly its stability.

In order to comply with the stringent discharge guidelines issued by governmental organizations to protect the ecosystem, the substantial amounts of effluent and sturdy wastes produced by the beer brewing process need to be discarded or handled in the most affordable and secure manner. Huge quantities of waste material released with each brew bestow a significant opportunity for the brewing sector to move towards sustainability. The concept of circular economy and the development of technological advancements in brewery waste processing have spurred interest to valorize brewery waste for implementation in various sectors of medical and food science, industrial science, and many more intriguing fields. Biotechnological methods for valorizing brewery wastes are showing a path towards green chemistry and are feasible and advantageous to environment. The study unfolds most recent prospectus for brewery waste usage and discusses major challenges with brewery waste treatment and valorization and offers suggestions for further work.

Biosurfactants have garnered increased attention lately due to their superiority of their properties over fossil-derived counterparts. While the cost of production remains a significant hurdle to surpass synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants have been anticipated to gain a larger market share in the coming decades. Among these, glycolipids, a type of low-molecular-weight biosurfactant, stand out for their efficacy in reducing surface and interfacial tension, which made them highly sought-after for various surfactant-related applications. Glycolipids are composed of hydrophilic carbohydrate moieties linked to hydrophobic fatty acid chains through ester bonds that mainly include rhamnolipids, trehalose lipids, sophorolipids, and mannosylerythritol lipids. This review highlights the current landscape of glycolipids and covers specific glycolipid productivity and the diverse range of products found in the global market. Applications such as bioremediation, food processing, petroleum refining, biomedical uses, and increasing agriculture output have been discussed. Additionally, the latest advancements in production cost reduction for glycolipid and the challenges of utilizing second-generation feedstocks for sustainable production are also thoroughly examined. Overall, this review proposes a balance between environmental advantages, economic viability, and societal benefits through the optimized integration of secondary feedstocks in biosurfactant production.

Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue. The agricultural sector, in particular, is a significant contributor to this problem, given the widespread use of plastics in farming practices and a lack of and/or use of inefficient approaches for the recycling and valorization of agricultural plastic waste. This has resulted in the accumulation of these residues in landfills and/or their improper disposal, which has exacerbated their environmental impact, leading to negative consequences on soil, water, and ecosystems. This work provides an overview on the current methodologies available to address the challenges associated with inadequate management of agricultural plastics and highlights the need for a comprehensive and systematic methodology, involving material development, polymer processing, waste collection, sorting, and valorization. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between polymer producers, polymer manufacturers, farmers, policymakers, waste management companies, and recyclers to develop effective, technical, and economically viable recycling and valorization schemes. This paper addresses gaps and provides guidance on possible solutions, specifically polymer development, policy instruments, regulatory frameworks, collection schemes, and the technical approaches required for the adequate valorization of agricultural plastic waste. Furthermore, it highlights the associated barriers and benefits of the different presented approaches. It also aims to promote awareness on agricultural plastic waste and provide guidance on the best approaches to reduce its environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Stara planina tourist region is one of the most attractive regions for tourism in Bulgaria and one of the few that have almost year-round tourist activities. The outline of the area includes the mountain of the same name, but also the Pre-Balkan. This fact predetermines the exceptional richness and diversity of natural tourist resources. Here are some of the largest broad-leaved forests in the country, waterfalls, bizarre rock formations, etc. The relatively well-preserved natural environment is a prerequisite for the presence of exceptional biodiversity, as well as a significant number of protected areas. The region is specialized mainly in mountain tourism, including recreation, mountain trekking, rural and ecotourism. Due to the scarce tourist infrastructure, ski tourism still lags behind in its development compared to other mountain regions in the country. Very often, the Stara planina Region is primarily identified with its cultural and historical heritage, while its natural features remain in the background. Regardless of this, and as a result of the more intense tourist load, the problem of protecting natural tourist resources from the growing anthropogenic pressure is gaining special relevance. There is also an urgent need to identify and evaluate the prospects for sustainable development of the tourism industry in the region. The purpose of the present study is to valorize the natural tourist resources of the Stara planina tourist region and to provide guidelines for their sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent global shift towards sustainable development and biorefinery-based approach for meeting the energy and other needs of the industries and urban population focuses on lignocellulose. The energy trapped within this structure can be exploited for various applications. Other than the commonly explored cellulose, lignin is the second most abundant polymer and an important part of lignocellulose. The review discusses how lignin can be used as a powerhouse of bioenergy along with other biochemicals of industrial application. Since lignin depolymerization is a major hindrance for exploiting them as well as other parts of lignocellulose, the various methods to achieve this are discussed here. The review discusses the composition of lignin in various sources, with focus on the waste materials, and associated complexity for selection of various pre-treatment process for lignin depolymerization. The review explores the various pre-treatment processes such as physical, chemicals, physio chemicals, lignin first, and biological treatment along with new advancements in the pre-treatment technology. In-depth discussion of the limitation of the presently applied valorization techniques along with the suggestions to overcome them has been provided. Also, the future prospects of lignin for generation of various value-added products such as fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth promoter, pharmaceutical, and biofuel production are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This study presents a comprehensive and stepwise strategy for utilizing coffee by-products as a sustainable source to develop bioactive food ingredients and nutraceuticals. Coffee by-products can be transformed into versatile functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals by implementing green extraction techniques and employing a biorefinery approach. These products offer a wide range of benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects, as well as the potential to regulate energy metabolism and blood sugar levels and serve as adjunct therapies for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. This research not only contributes to the creation of functional food products and supplements but also promotes sustainability and addresses the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Coffee production generates significant amounts of by-products, posing challenges for waste management in the industry. Recent research has revealed that coffee by-products are rich in bioactive compounds suitable to produce functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals. In this review, we explore biorefinery strategies for extracting and utilizing bioactive compounds from coffee by-products, including the production of bio-based chemicals and materials, as well as the extraction of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and dietary fiber for food applications. We propose a stepwise approach for the development of functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals from coffee by-products, covering the identification of needs, comprehensive characterization, in vitro and in vivo research, unraveling the mechanism of action, food and nutraceutical formulation, sensory analysis, shelf-life stability, scale-up, randomized control trials, and biostatistics and bioinformatic integration. Additionally, we discuss the market potential, regulatory issues, and technological innovation surrounding the commercialization of coffee by-product-based products. Emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance and sustainability in the coffee industry, this review highlights the potential of coffee by-products to be transformed from waste into valuable functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals, offering a promising avenue for waste reduction and promoting sustainability in the coffee industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites, which have become very common in mass-produced items, have the potential to outperform similar materials made from any one of their individual components. This tutorial review article considers published studies that shine a light on what is required for such structures to earn the name "sustainable". The focus is on a series of questions that deal with such issues as the carbon footprint, other life-cycle impacts, durability, recyclability without major loss of value, reusability of major parts, and the practical likelihood of various end-of-life options. To achieve the needed broader impacts of limited research dollars, it is important that researchers choose their research topics carefully. Among a great many possible options for preparing truly eco-friendly composite materials, it will be important to focus attention on the much smaller subset of technologies that have a high probability of commercial success and large-scale implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In front of climate change and the threat of food shortages, organic farming is an answer to both challenges. On the one hand, organic farming protects and improves environmental conditions, and on the other hand, it can provide food for the entire planet. Of course, the organic farming system is difficult to apply, requiring both financial resources and consumer awareness. The current work aims to carry out an analysis of how organic agriculture has evolved in the counties of Constanța and Tulcea, as well as identifying some particularities at the level of the organic farm, from demand to obtaining and delivering production. The study deepened the situation of organic farming using both published data and information collected with the help of a questionnaire. From the study, it emerged that the two studied counties together own 24.1% of the area certified in the ecological agriculture system of our country, respectively Constanța 6.5% (17,651 ha) and Tulcea 17.6% (47,757 ha). The number of operators in the ecological system, in 2020, was 280 in Constanța County and 343 in Tulcea County respectively, holding a share of 2.5% and 3.1% respectively of the total per country. The analysis of ways to capitalize on organic production consisted of the assessment of capitalization, the existence of a capitalization plan and the possession of storage spaces, the commercialization of production in the country or for export. Thus, from the answers of the farmers it emerged that out of the 70 respondents, 18 (25.6 %) consider the exploitation of production to be an easy and medium easy activity, and 28 (40 %) consider it a heavy activity and 24 (34 %) as a very hard activity, of which 85% have higher education; out of the farms analyzed, 35 farms have production storage facilities, of which 32 have higher education; the destination of the production is 41.4% only in the country, 11.4% outside the country and 37.1% capitalize the production both in the country and outside the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is increasing in Nigeria. This poses serious environmental and public health issues because of its poor management. MSW has become a valuable resource which offers opportunities for socio-economic growth, thus the relevance of this review. The study adopted a secondary or desktop research method. The objectives of the study include identifying MSW generation rates in popular Nigerian cities, estimating daily and annual generation rates and the material and economic potential of the generated MSW. The average MSW composition for 22 cities was as follows: organics (56%), plastics (9%), paper (13%), glass and metal (3% each), textiles (2%) and others (14%). The estimated 34 million population living in the cities generates about 20378 tons of MSW each day (7.4 million tons per year). Valorization of the MSW finds applications in different—energy (power, transport, household), agriculture, construction and manufacturing. The energy potential of the generated organic, paper, plastic and textile wastes is about 947981358 kWh/ year, with a revenue potential of 1769409. This represents about 2.6% of the energy generated in Nigeria in the year 2020. The estimated revenue potential of trading the waste materials (plastic, metal, waste paper, textile and glass) for recycling ranges from 3.3 million to.4 billion. Converting wastes to raw materials will reduce the amount going to landfills/dumpsites and reduce the fiscal burden of waste management on municipalities. It will also create employment. Among others, the challenges facing MSW valorization in Nigeria include poor waste management, non-recognition of the informal waste sector, financial incapacity, etc. Thus, it is important to have adequate and effective policy and decision making.

According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted. The actual linear "Take-Make-Dispose" model is nowadays obsolete and uneconomical for societies and the environment, while circular thinking in production systems and its effective adoption offers new opportunities and benefits. Following the "Waste Framework Directive" (2008/98/CE), the European Green Deal, and the actual Circular Economy Action Plan, when prevention is not possible, recovering an unavoidable food waste as a by-product represents a most promising pathway. Using last year's by-products, which are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and peptides, offer a wake-up call to the nutraceutical and cosmetic industry to invest and develop value-added products generated from food waste ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full harnessing of grape pomace (GP) agricultural waste for the preparation of antioxidant Pickering emulsions is presented herein. Bacterial cellulose (BC) and polyphenolic extract (GPPE) were both prepared from GP. Rod-like BC nanocrystals up to 1.5 µm in length and 5–30 nm in width were obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis (EH). The GPPE obtained through ultrasound-assisted hydroalcoholic solvent extraction presented excellent antioxidant properties assessed using DPPH, ABTS and TPC assays. The BCNC-GPPE complex formation improved the colloidal stability of BCNC aqueous dispersions by decreasing the Z potential value up to −35 mV and prolonged the antioxidant half-life of GPPE up to 2.5 times. The antioxidant activity of the complex was demonstrated by the decrease in conjugate diene (CD) formation in olive oil-in-water emulsions, whereas the measured emulsification ratio (ER) and droplet mean size of hexadecane-in-water emulsions confirmed the physical stability improvement in all cases. The synergistic effect between nanocellulose and GPPE resulted in promising novel emulsions with prolonged physical and oxidative stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary exhibitions have not only been the oldest, but also the most successful model of art mediation (e.g., the Venice Biennale). In this research work, we are interested in the subject of preserving periodic exhibitions in the form of an interactive virtual memory to be revisited in the future. Although popular forms for doing so include photography, video coverage, and catalogs, we are interested in the implementation of a digital “timestamp” that could provide a digital place of memory and recall. To do so, we are preserving the physical space of an exhibition through 3D digitization technologies, and at the same time, we are digitally encoding the curatorial rationale in the form of digitized exhibits, and their documentation in a semantic metamodel. The result is the synthesis of a pure digital exhibition that acts as a digital twin of its original version, preserved and experienced online as a catalog and virtual tour, and at the same time, available to become immersed in through VR technologies, thus expanding the time and space of its digital existence.

• Management of sewage sludge is a critical issue in the European sustainability plan. • WtE technologies need to be assessed from an integrated sustainability perspective. • A sustainability assessment is conducted using real data from Spanish WWT plants. • The gasification is the best performing technology for the location study. The management of sewage sludge still represents a challenge in the EU sustainability plan for biowaste. Although there are consolidated alternatives for the valorization of sewage sludge (incineration, pyrolysis and gasification), technical issues related to heavy metals and other pollutants are not sufficiently understood considering the whole waste-to-energy process. In addition, societal-economic and environmental aspects are usually not included in the evaluation of these conversion technologies. In this study, we propose an integrated assessment from a sustainability perspective to evaluate the valorization of sewage sludge by thermal conversion, comparing different alternatives based on existing Waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies. The results provide an insightful vision on the challenges to manage the sewage sludge disposal and to transform the obtained waste into new raw materials with added value. In addition, the evaluation of the WtE alternatives shows that they face important challenges preventing their application, being the gasification the best performing technology according to the sustainability assessment. Finally, a decentralized scheme based on sewage sludge gasification is further evaluated using real data from wastewater treatment plants in Andalusia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) have multiple beneficial effects on human health, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n-3). A variety of microorganisms has been used for the commercial production of non-animal-source LC-PUFAs. The oomycetes of the Pythium family are promising EPA producers, and in this work, the optimization of Pythium irregulare growth using food industry by-products and wastes as cheap sources of nutrients was carried out. Sugar cane molasses (SCM), spent brewery yeast (SBY), cheese whey (CW), and expired orange juice (EFJ) were tested. A combination of SBY as a source of nitrogen and EFJ as a source of organic carbon resulted in the best outcome among the other sustainable media ingredients. The optimization of the new medium was conducted through a response surface methodology using EFJ and SBY as factors. The results show a significant positive impact of these factors on biomass productivity (p < 0.005), with an optimized biomass yield of 14.22 g L−1, a lipid yield of 2.23 g L−1, and an EPA concentration of 155 mg L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Caves can be considered as features of the landscape that have been formatted through a long period and are signs of the past climatological conditions, of prehistoric animal and human inhabitation, and provide habitat for species. In the near past, caves have also gained tourism interest since they offer unique sightseeing experiences. The sustainability and protection of cave heritage have been recently discussed mainly because over-tourism has been proven to have negative side effects on the preservation of the heritage site. Technology today has provided widely adopted inexpensive technical means to support immersive visiting experiences to sites of heritage interest that could support their valorization and sustainability in forms more friendly to the site. In this work, such an alternative visiting approach is explored through a use case applied to the Alistrati cave near Serres, Greece, where a VR tour guide can support immersive visiting experiences to the heritage site. By employing means of digital preservation of heritage sites the VR solution aspires to offer immersive close to reality engaging visiting experiences.

Food waste (FW) in restaurants and catering arises from inefficiencies throughout food preparation, handling, and disposal stages. Addressing these inefficiencies via FW upcycling into value-added products presents a sustainable strategy to mitigate waste and advance environmental sustainability. This study explores the global impact of food waste, factors influencing its generation, and potential environmental benefits from waste prevention. It examines consumer food waste rates, where approximately 17.5% of prepared food is discarded, comprising kitchen waste (2.2%), serving waste (11.3%), and customer leftovers (3.9%). It explores methodologies used to estimate food waste across EU countries, comparing waste management practices in the UK and the Netherlands. It investigates food waste strategies in China, particularly in ethnic restaurants, and considers consumer perceptions regarding packaging's role in waste reduction. Additionally, the study covers sustainable waste management practices in Asia, including pre-treatment techniques such as upcycling, microbial conversion, anaerobic co-digestion, and 3D food printing, aimed at reducing waste by 20–30%. Furthermore, it evaluates machine learning models for predicting catering demand with 85% accuracy and analyzes a 25% reduction trend in waste within Swedish public catering. The study highlights challenges and future prospects in repurposing food waste within restaurant and catering sectors. Presently, only 10–15% of food waste is repurposed, with potential to increase to 30–40% through enhanced practices and technologies. Continued research and innovation in sustainable waste management can potentially reduce overall waste by 25%, conserve resources, and foster a more sustainable food system. • A comprehensive analysis of food waste in the restaurant and catering sectors, examining global repercussions. • It explores innovative approaches to up-cycling food waste. • Offers a global perspective on sustainable food waste management practices. • Addresses FW reduction, the valorization of food waste and promoting a circular economy and zero hunger approach. • Demonstrates forward-looking approaches, highlighting future directions in food waste management and sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary exhibitions have not only been the oldest, but also the most successful model of art mediation (e.g., the Venice Biennale). In this research work, we are interested in the subject of preserving periodic exhibitions in the form of an interactive virtual memory to be revisited in the future. Although popular forms for doing so include photography, video coverage, and catalogs, we are interested in the implementation of a digital "timestamp" that could provide a digital place of memory and recall. To do so, we are preserving the physical space of an exhibition through 3D digitization technologies, and at the same time, we are digitally encoding the curatorial rationale in the form of digitized exhibits, and their documentation in a semantic metamodel. The result is the synthesis of a pure digital exhibition that acts as a digital twin of its original version, preserved and experienced online as a catalog and virtual tour, and at the same time, available to become immersed in through VR technologies, thus expanding the time and space of its digital existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Law 7/2022, on Waste and Contaminated Soils, introduces important changes in terms of textile waste, a sector that has traditionally received less attention in terms of the volume and management of waste produced. The textile industry is, in fact, the fourth most polluting in terms of waste volume and, in addition, it has been increased by the social practice of fast fashion employment. Due to the aforementioned, the European Directive ((EU) 2018/851) which modifies Directive 2008/98/EC on waste is of particular importance. This new Directive obliges the Member States to the selective collection of textile waste before January 1st, 2025, and to establish objectives related to the preparation for reuse and recycling of this waste. This will have an impact on the entire textile value chain as it will be necessary for companies to start designing and preparing their products to contain recycled material and to allow its recycling. The new tendencies in the management of textile disposables promote an increase in public awareness about consumption practices as well as the co-responsibility of producers and users. The management of textile waste, whose main destination is the social economy, will have to promote technologies for the recovery of surpluses to reintroduce these materials into the consumption process, thus favoring the circular economy and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange peel waste (OPW), a discarded part of orange fruit, is a rich source of essential constituents that can be transformed into highly value-added bioproducts. OPW is being generated in million tonnes globally and returns to the environment without complete benefit. Thus, a high volume of annually produced OPW in the industry requires effective valorization. In this regard, limited data is available that summarizes the broader spectrum for the sustainable fate of OPW to produce value-added bioproducts. The main objective of this treatise is to explore the sustainable production of bioproducts from OPW. Therefore, this review covers all the aspects of OPW, from its production to complete valorization. The review encompasses the extraction technologies employed for extracting different valuable bioactive compounds, such as: essential oil (EO), pectin, and carotenoids, from OPW. Furthermore, the suitability of bioconversion technologies (digestion/fermentation) in transforming OPW to other useful bioproducts, such as: biochemicals (lactic acid and succinic acid), biopolysaccharides (xanthan and curdlan gum), and bioenergy (biomethane and bioethanol) is discussed. Also, it includes the concept of OPW-based biorefineries and their development that shall play a definite role in future to cover demands for: food, chemicals, materials, fuels, power, and heat. Lastly, this review focuses on OPW-supplemented functional food products such as: beverages, yogurts, and extruded products. In conclusion, insights provided in this review maximize the potential of OPW for commercial purposes, leading to a safe, and waste-free environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is an alternative, carbon-neutral fuel compared to fossil-based diesel, which can reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Biodiesel is a product of microorganisms, crop plants, and animal-based oil and has the potential to prosper as a sustainable and renewable energy source and tackle growing energy problems. Biodiesel has a similar composition and combustion properties to fossil diesel and thus can be directly used in internal combustion engines as an energy source at the commercial level. Since biodiesel produced using edible/non-edible crops raises concerns about food vs. fuel, high production cost, monocropping crisis, and unintended environmental effects, such as land utilization patterns, it is essential to explore new approaches, feedstock and technologies to advance the production of biodiesel and maintain its sustainability. Adopting bioengineering methods to produce biodiesel from various sources such as crop plants, yeast, algae, and plant-based waste is one of the recent technologies, which could act as a promising alternative for creating genuinely sustainable, technically feasible, and cost-competitive biodiesel. Advancements in genetic engineering have enhanced lipid production in cellulosic crops and it can be used for biodiesel generation. Bioengineering intervention to produce lipids/fat/oil (TGA) and further their chemical or enzymatic transesterification to accelerate biodiesel production has a great future. Additionally, the valorization of waste and adoption of the biorefinery concept for biodiesel production would make it eco-friendly, cost-effective, energy positive, sustainable and fit for commercialization. A life cycle assessment will not only provide a better understanding of the various approaches for biodiesel production and waste valorization in the biorefinery model to identify the best technique for the production of sustainable biodiesel, but also show a path to draw a new policy for the adoption and commercialization of biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, sustainable and natural resources including biowastes have been considered attractive starting materials for the fabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable carbon dots (CDs) due to the benefits of availability, low cost, biorenewability, and environmentally benign attributes. These carbonaceous nanomaterials have been widely explored in the field of sensing/imaging, optoelectronics, photocatalysis, drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cancer theranostics. Designing multifunctional biowaste-derived CDs with a high efficacy-to-toxicity ratio for sustained and targeted drug delivery, along with imaging potentials, opens a new window of opportunity toward theranostic applications. However, crucial challenges regarding the absorption/emission wavelength, up-conversion emission/multiphoton fluorescence mechanisms, and phosphorescence of these CDs still need to be addressed to attain the maximum functionality and efficacy. Future studies ought to focus on optimizing the synthesis techniques/conditions, evaluating the influence of nucleation/growth process on structures/properties, controlling their morphology/size, and finding the photoluminescence mechanisms. Reproducibility of synthesis techniques is another critically important factor that needs to be addressed in the future. Herein, the recent developments related to the biowaste-derived CDs with respect to their biomedical applications are deliberated, focusing on important challenges and future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few decades, the globe is facing tremendous effects due to the unnecessary piling of municipal solid waste among which food waste holds a greater portion. This practice not only affects the environment in terms of generating greenhouse gas emissions but when left dumped in landfills will also trigger poverty and malnutrition. This review focuses on the global trend in food waste management strategies involved in the effective utilization of food waste to produce various value-added products in a microbiology aspect, thereby diminishing the negative impacts caused by the unnecessary side effects of non-renewable energy sources. The review also detailed the efficiency of microorganisms in the production of various bio-energies as well. Further, recent attempts to the exploitation of genetically modified microorganisms in producing value-added products were enlisted. This also attempted to address food waste valorization techniques, the combined applications of various processes for an enhanced yield of different compounds, and addressed various challenges. Further, the current challenges involved in various processes and the effective measures to tackle them in the future have been addressed. Thus, the present review has successfully addressed the circular bio-economy in food waste valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The saffron flower stigmas are used for the saffron spice production while the remaining saffron floral by-products, that are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, remain underutilized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) through response surface methodology to obtain high value-added compounds from saffron tepals as ingredients with potential application in the food, pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industries. A central composite design was applied to optimize process variables: temperature, time and ethanol solvent concentration. Extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic and total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity (ORAC and HOSC assays), being the maximum values obtained: 126.20 ± 2.99 mg GAE/g dry matter; 8.05 ± 0.11 mg CE/g dry matter; 6219 ± 246 μmol TEAC/dry matter; 3131 ± 205 μmol TEAC/dry matter, respectively. Results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were the combination of low temperature (25 °C)—high extraction time (5 min) using ethanol as solvent (100%). MAE revealed to be an efficient technique to isolate bioactive compounds from saffron floral by-products with a low energy footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]