Biorefinery approaches for a comprehensive recovery of retailed organic food waste: Sustainability analysis of different configurations

Abstract

Retailed organic food waste (ROFW) is a solid residue generating negative environmental impacts worldwide. The proposal of ROFW valorization routes can increase the sustainability of food value chains. This research evaluates the sustainability of different ROFW valorization alternatives. A composition model was developed based on the fruit, vegetable, root, and tuber consumption trends in Colombia. Different biorefineries were assessed experimentally. Yields were used as input data in process simulation and sustainability assessment. The best biorefinery to valorize ROFW was addressed to produce bioactive compounds, levulinic acid, biogas, and fertilizers. The bioactive compounds extract presented 15.28 mg gallic acid/g ROFW. Enzymatic saccharification produced 0.32 g glucose/g ROFW. Finally, the biogas yield was 241.83 mL/g of ROFW volatile solids. This biorefinery presented a sustainability index of 81.75 % based on technical, economic, environmental, and social metrics. In conclusion, ROFW biorefineries have a higher sustainability index than the stand-alone anaerobic digestion.