A recent study published in ‘Chemical Engineering Transactions’ explores the potential of transforming agro-industrial by-products into valuable bioproducts, addressing both economic and environmental challenges faced by the agro-food industry. Led by Vittoria Fatta, the research focuses on the Percival project, which aims to valorize waste materials generated by agricultural processes in Southern Italy.
The agro-food sector produces significant amounts of by-products, often viewed as waste, leading to substantial costs for companies in terms of handling and disposal. However, these by-products are rich in various compounds that can be extracted and processed into high-value products. Fatta emphasizes the dual benefit of this approach, stating, “Their exploitation generates an improvement of the sustainability performance of the supply chains, since it generates economic advantages, making available new commercial products and reducing disposal costs.”
The Percival project is pioneering innovative and efficient processes that minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic returns. By employing a biorefinery cascade approach, the project seeks to develop methods for pretreatment, extraction, separation, and transformation of these by-products. This includes converting residues into advanced biofuels like biomethane and agricultural products such as soil improvers and bio-stimulants.
The implications of this research extend beyond environmental benefits; they present new commercial opportunities for various sectors. Companies involved in agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy could find new revenue streams by tapping into the bioproducts derived from these agro-industrial by-products. Additionally, the development of new industrial sectors could lead to job creation in regions that participate in these supply chains.
Fatta’s work highlights the importance of viewing agricultural by-products not just as waste, but as valuable resources that can enhance sustainability and profitability. As the project continues to evaluate the availability of residual biomasses and the potential bioproducts that can be derived from them, it sets the stage for a more sustainable and economically viable future in agro-industry.
This research not only sheds light on innovative processing methods but also underscores the urgent need for industries to rethink waste management practices. The findings from the Percival project could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives globally, promoting a circular economy approach in agriculture.
