Title:
Environmental Aspects of Novel Food Processing Residue Valorisation Pathways for Soil Improvers
Author(s):
Kardaras, G., Proskinitopoulou, V., Vourros, A., Dimopoulos-Toursidis, P., Lorentzou, S., Panopoulos, K.D.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Food processing residues (FPRs) constitute a significant portion of Europe’s food waste, posing serious challenges for the environment and resource availability. Valorisation of these residues into soil improvers offers a sustainable alternative to conventional waste treatment methods. This study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to investigate the environmental performance of a novel FPR valorisation pathway developed under the Waste4Soil project. Three scenarios were examined: (a) direct application of raw digestate to agricultural soil as a baseline, (b) advanced post-processing with nutrient and water recovery, and (c) an alternative option with improved phosphorus recovery. The assessment considered various environmental metrics, based on the ReCiPe 2016 method. Preliminary results revealed that the advanced post-processing schemes substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the substitution of conventional chemical fertilizers and mitigation of fugitive methane emissions. They also enhance nutrient recovery (in relation to raw digestate) and offer high-quality water for reuse in agriculture. Consequently, Waste4Soil solutions demonstrate improved environmental outcomes and contribution to circular resource management by closing the urban-rural nutrient loop. These findings highlight the importance of developing localised strategies for the management and valorisation of FPRs.
Keywords:
food processing residues, valorisation, life cycle assessment (LCA), soil improvers
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Environmental impacts
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.3.2
Pages:
294 - 298
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-2AV.3.2
Price:
FREE
