In a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Energies’, researchers are unveiling a novel approach to combat the escalating issue of food waste while simultaneously addressing climate change. The research, led by Zsolt Dobó from the Institute of Energy, Ceramics and Polymer Technology at the University of Miskolc, explores the potential of pyrolysis—a thermal decomposition process—to convert food waste into biochar, a carbon-rich solid that can significantly contribute to negative carbon emissions.
Globally, food waste has reached staggering proportions, with approximately 1.3 billion tons discarded each year, accounting for nearly one-third of all food produced. This waste not only represents a significant loss of resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with estimates attributing up to 10% of these emissions to food that goes uneaten. Dobó emphasizes the urgency of addressing this challenge, stating, “By converting food waste into biochar through pyrolysis, we not only reduce waste but also capture carbon in a stable form, which can help mitigate climate change.”
The study investigated three different blends of food waste, utilizing a tube reactor to perform pyrolysis at temperatures of 650 °C, 725 °C, and 900 °C. Remarkably, the blend of rice and French fries yielded the highest char output—212 grams of char per kilogram of waste—while capturing an impressive 536 grams of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for every kilogram of food waste processed. In contrast, blends such as roast pork and breaded chicken demonstrated lower carbon removal potential, highlighting the variability in effectiveness based on the food waste composition.
The implications of this research extend beyond environmental benefits; they also present significant commercial opportunities within the energy sector. The potential to create a market for biochar as a soil amendment or carbon storage solution could incentivize food waste management practices across various industries. “If we can scale this process, we could potentially capture up to 1.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide annually, which is about 3% of global emissions,” Dobó noted, underscoring the scale of impact this research could have.
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of food waste and climate change, the findings from this study offer a promising pathway forward. By transforming what is typically seen as waste into a valuable resource, the energy sector could play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and resilient future. The research not only highlights the feasibility of pyrolysis as a treatment method but also positions it as a critical player in the global effort to achieve negative carbon emissions.
For more information on this innovative research, visit the Institute of Energy, Ceramics and Polymer Technology, University of Miskolc.
