Valorization of food waste: A comprehensive review of individual technologies for producing bio-based products

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2024-07, Vol.364, p.121439, Article 121439
• Main Authors: Ansari, Suhel A., Kumar, Tinku, Sawarkar, Riya, Gobade, Mahendra, Khan, Debishree, Singh, Lal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion; Artificial intelligence; Biofuels; Circular economy; Prebiotics
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121439

The escalating global concerns about food waste and the imperative need for sustainable practices have fuelled a burgeoning interest in the valorization of food waste. This comprehensive review delves into various technologies employed for converting food waste into valuable bio-based products. The article surveys individual technologies, ranging from traditional to cutting-edge methods, highlighting their respective mechanisms, advantages, and challenges. The exploration encompasses enzymatic processes, microbial fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and emerging technologies such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal processing. Each technology's efficacy in transforming food waste into bio-based products such as biofuels, enzymes, organic acids, prebiotics, and biopolymers is critically assessed. The review also considers the environmental and economic implications of these technologies, shedding light on their sustainability and scalability. The article discusses the role of technological integration and synergies in creating holistic approaches for maximizing the valorization potential of food waste. Key finding and conclusion: This review consolidates current knowledge on the valorization of food waste, offering a comprehensive understanding of individual technologies and their contributions to the sustainable production of bio-based products. The synthesis of information presented here aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in making informed decisions to address the global challenge of food waste while fostering a circular and eco-friendly economy. [Display omitted] •Food waste used as a substrate for producing biological value-added products.•Advantages and benefits of each food waste valorization technique.•The characteristics of food waste and its bioconversion processes are studied.•Pretreatment methods can enhance the retrieval of biofuel and valuable by-products.•Highlighting the scope of AI in food and agriculture industries.