Valorization of Food Loss and Wastes: Feedstocks for Biofuels and Valuable Chemicals

Shehu Isah,Gulnihal Ozbay

doi:10.3389/fsufs.2020.00082

Abstract

Reduction in the amount of food loss and waste requires appropriate quantification method of the amount of food loss annually on the one hand and devising alternative use for foods that would otherwise end up as loss or waste. In this review, food loss and waste (FLW)were classified as avoidable, nonavoidable and possibly avoidable wastes based on inherent composition of several food categories. The current disposal methods of FLW were evaluated for its effectiveness and overall environmental impacts presented by landfills, composting and incineration. Alternative and sustainable alternative for management of food loss and waste include feedstocks for biofuel production, valuable chemicals and coproducts. This approach is renewable, environmentally friendly, improved social status through job creation for local communities and overall improved quality of life.

Highlights

A comprehensive evaluation of the quantity or value of food waste or loss is necessary in devising effective strategies for avoiding and/or minimizing such loss
This is based on the fact that the purchase of cheaper commodities might be higher than necessary and as consequence, some of the products are left to spoil in comparison to high end food items
Disposal of solid waste arising from food loss and waste have been carried out over time using several biological treatments, amongst which anaerobic digestion has proven to be highly cost-effective because of its inherent “high energy recovery,” limited environmental impact and biogas production (Álvarez et al, 2010)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

A comprehensive evaluation of the quantity or value of food waste or loss is necessary in devising effective strategies for avoiding and/or minimizing such loss. The amount of time it takes for certain food item to perish or considered unfit for human consumption and the commodity price are contributing factors to the values of “totally avoidable” and “probably avoidable” waste intensity This is based on the fact that the purchase of cheaper commodities might be higher than necessary and as consequence, some of the products are left to spoil in comparison to high end food items. Disposal and treatment of food waste and loss via landfills or dumping sites for food waste and pre-treatment (including biological treatment) of waste liquids are not cost effective in addition to the introduction of toxic and harmful chemicals from wastewater treatment (H2O2 and NaOH) and CO2 releases into the environment Alternative use of these organic biomass such as valorization into biofuel, bio-lubricant and other bioproducts is economically sound but environmentally compatible alternatives. This practice is costly but unsustainable in terms of energy demand and environmental pollution

Disposal Methods of Food Wastes

Methods

Findings

CONCLUSION