Agro-food Waste Conversion into Valuable Products in Italy: Current Practices and Innovations
Italy leads in agriculture and food processing. It faces the challenge of managing agro-food waste (AFW). AFW is mixed and abundant. Management must be sustainable. It matters for the environment, society, and the economy.
Key Insights from Recent Research
A 2025 review studied Italian AFW practices. The study appeared in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. It used circular economy ideas. The review shifts the view from waste to resource. It focuses on getting high-value compounds and bioenergy from AFW.
Current Technologies and Readiness Levels
The research checks several treatment methods. Each method moves from pilot scale to industrial use. One method uses biorefineries. These plants turn AFW into biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials. The study also looks at biological processes. Microbes and enzymes work together to recover nutrients. They help produce bio-based products. Other treatment plants cut emissions. They lower resource use and boost product value.
Italian Scenario: Industrial and Pilot Plants
Italy runs many pilot and full-scale plants. These plants use new processes. They show waste turns into useful by-products. They support both sustainability and strong economics.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
By using AFW conversion in a circular economy, the industry can lower greenhouse gas emissions. This step cuts the emissions from waste disposal. It also lowers costs and need for virgin materials. At the same time, recovered bio-products and renewable energy create new revenue.
Conclusion
Both proven and new technologies can turn agro-food waste profitable in Italy. This fits with EU goals for a bio-based economy. The study gives a model for waste management that links economic growth and environmental care.
Keywords: Agro-food waste, circular economy, biorefineries, bioenergy, Italy, sustainable waste management, high-added value compounds, technology readiness level (TRL).
Reference: Demichelis, F., Lenzuni, M., Converti, A., et al. (2025). Agro-food waste conversion into valuable products in the Italian scenario: current practices and innovative approaches. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(2), 115458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.115458
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