Fruit and vegetable waste management: Conventional and emerging approaches

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Fruit and Vegetable Wastes (FVW) are a significant waste stream with inherent challenges like perishability and heterogeneity.
• FVW represent a substantial underutilized resource for valuable natural products and chemicals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review existing valorization routes for FVW.
• To propose an integrated management strategy for FVW.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current and emerging FVW valorization technologies.
• Analysis of different processing routes for FVW management.

Main Results:

• FVW valorization requires balancing conventional waste management with emerging technologies.
• Key valorization options include bioactive compounds, enzymes, bioplastics, and biofuels.
• Emerging technologies should be prioritized for long-term FVW valorization.

Conclusions:

• Integral FVW management necessitates a coordinated approach of conventional and emerging technologies.
• Minimizing environmental impact and resource waste is achievable through effective FVW valorization.
• Future strategies involve direct processing of FVW into value-added products followed by residual stream management.