Transforming Plant-Based Waste into Valuable Products Using Food Industry 4.0 Technologies: A Literature Review
Overview
A recent review appeared in Science of The Total Environment. The paper released in December 2024 shows new tech under the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We call this Food Industry 4.0. New tools now link plant waste with value. They help secure food for all and boost sustainability. They work even when pandemics, climate change, and population growth challenge us.
Key Challenges in Food Systems
Food production creates much plant waste. These by-products hold rich nutrients and bioactive compounds. Much food gets lost along the supply chain. This waste weakens our push for sustainable methods.
Industry 4.0 Technologies in Focus
The review lists several tools that fight food waste:
- • Artificial Intelligence (AI) links to processing and quality checks.
- • The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices for real-time monitoring.
- • Blockchain links steps to add traceability and clarity.
- • Robotics and smart sensors join to improve extraction and handling.
- • 3D printing and digital twins link ideas to better product design and process simulation.
Each tool ties directly to better use of plant waste. They help food makers extract useful compounds, boost safety, and cut environmental damage.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Food Industry 4.0 brings many wins:
- It cuts down on wasted resources.
- It lowers greenhouse gas outputs from food production.
- It builds systems to manage resources more wisely.
- It opens new revenue streams from upcycled products.
Conclusion
This review makes clear that Food Industry 4.0 transforms plant waste into high-value goods. Using these tools is key to a food system that is both circular and efficient. They meet ecological goals and worldwide food needs.
Source: Aït-Kaddour, A., et al. (2024). Transforming plant-based waste and by-products into valuable products using various “Food Industry 4.0” enabling technologies: A literature review. Science of The Total Environment, 955, 176872. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176872
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