Estimation and bio-valorisation of food industry by-products in Northern Europe

Abstract

The lack of quantitative data regarding the geographical availability of secondary bioresources hinders the exploration of regional valorisation opportunities within the context of circular bioeconomy. The study aimed to identify the main by-products of the food processing and manufacturing industry in eight Northern European countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, and propose potential bio-valorisation solutions for these by-products to derive value-added products. By analysing available Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics for the period between 2015 and 2020 and reviewing the scientific literature, by-product volumes were estimated and respective bio-valorisation methods were summarised in two separate databases. The first database lists the processed food products, their by-products and estimated volumes, while the second details the bio-valorisation methods applicable to these by-products. Estimated by-product volumes provide an understanding of their availability in the Northern European region. Our findings revealed that fresh whey is the predominant by-product in the region, with Denmark generating the highest average volume of 2318.3 kt/year. Similarly, sugar beet pulp, also highest in Denmark, averaged 1421.3 kt/year. Among the bio-valorisation methods studied, whey and brewer’s spent grain were the most used substrates, with xylanases, ethanol, and acetic acid being the primary value-added products. This research offers valuable data-driven insights to support the circular bioeconomy in Northern Europe while demonstrating an approach to estimating food industry by-product volumes using commonly reported statistical data. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)