Recent advances review in tea waste: High-value applications, processing technology, and value-added products

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Tea waste (TW) is a significant by-product of the tea industry, posing disposal challenges.
• Effective utilization of TW is crucial for enhancing the economic viability and sustainability of tea production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the strategic utilization of tea waste.
• To explore processing and conversion technologies for high-value product development.
• To assess the potential applications of tea waste in various sectors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of processing and thermochemical conversion technologies for tea waste.
• Analysis of high-value products derived from tea waste.
• Evaluation of tea waste applications in plant, animal, and environmental sectors.

Main Results:

• Tea waste can be transformed into valuable products like activated carbon, biochar, and nanoparticle composites.
• These products have applications in fuel production, composting, preservation, and heavy metal adsorption.
• Comprehensive utilization of TW enhances economic efficiency and promotes sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Strategic valorization of tea waste presents a sustainable approach to improve the tea industry's economic performance.
• Further research into novel high-value product development from tea waste derivatives is recommended.
• Tea waste utilization offers significant potential for energy production, storage, and environmental remediation.