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Material utilization of green waste: a review on potential valorization methods
Alexander Langsdorf1, Marianne Volkmar2, Dirk Holtmann3
1Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390, Giessen, Germany.
Bioresources and Bioprocessing
|April 23, 2024
Summary
Green waste, a sustainable feedstock, offers untapped potential for material utilization beyond composting or energy production. Valorizing this urban biomass can yield valuable compounds and functional materials, supporting a circular economy.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Valorization
- Sustainable Materials Science
- Urban Resource Management
Background:
- Global challenges like climate change and fossil resource depletion necessitate sustainable feedstocks.
- Green waste, abundant urban lignocellulosic biomass with low lignin, is currently underutilized (composted or used for energy).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of green waste for material utilization, moving beyond conventional recycling methods.
- To highlight green waste as a promising starting material for various applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on green waste valorization.
- Analysis of potential pathways for material extraction and conversion.
- Exploration of applications in chemical, biotechnological, and material manufacturing sectors.
Main Results:
- Green waste can be directly utilized for extracting valuable compounds.
- It serves as a feedstock for producing basic chemicals via chemical and fermentative conversion.
- Carbonization of green waste enables the manufacturing of functional materials, such as electrodes for electro-biotechnological applications.
Conclusions:
- Green waste possesses significant untapped potential for material valorization.
- This review provides a foundation for future research and development in utilizing urban green waste.
- Shifting from composting/energy to material use promotes a more sustainable and circular economy.
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