Valorization of Agrifood By-Products and Innovation in Sustainable Biological Resources

A special issue of Clean Technologies (ISSN 2571-8797).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 2031

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (CHIP), School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Interests: circular economy; agrifood systems; resource valorization; alien species; sustainable consumption; stakeholder engagement; policy innovation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Directorate General for Hygiene, Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Rome; School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
Interests: pharmaceutical; food; governance; appropriateness; nutrition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The valorization of agrifood wastes and by-products represents a key strategy in the transition towards climate-resilient and sustainable economies, as well as the responsible use of novel foods. This approach not only addresses pressing environmental challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion, but also offers innovative pathways for circularity and economic resilience in agrifood systems. By transforming agricultural and fishery resources into high-value products—such as bio-based materials, animal feed, biofertilizers, novel foods, and nutraceuticals—it is possible to close nutrient loops, reduce dependency on external inputs, and enhance food system sustainability. These practices contribute significantly to food security and nutrition by promoting resource efficiency and supporting the production of affordable, nutrient-rich food. Integrating waste valorization into climate-smart agriculture enhances productivity and resilience while reducing environmental footprints. Simultaneously, its application in blue economy sectors supports low-impact aquaculture, marine resource recovery, and waste reduction in coastal regions. This Special Issue aims to showcase multidisciplinary research and applied case studies that explore innovative technologies, policy frameworks, and business models. Emphasis will be placed on emerging solutions, socio-economic impacts, and the role of multi-actor collaboration in promoting systemic change for a more efficient, inclusive, and resilient food system aligned with global sustainability, food security, and nutrition goals.

Dr. Germana Borsetta
Dr. Andrea Zovi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • circular economy
  • agrifood
  • food waste valorization
  • blue economy
  • climate-smart agriculture
  • food security and nutrition
  • agrifood by-products

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

26 pages, 2245 KB  
Article
Energy Recovery and Techno-Economic Analysis of Hydrothermal Carbonization and Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste
by Ahmed Mohammed Inuwa, Victor Oluwafemi Fatokun, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Sudesh Rathilal and Usman Mohammed Aliyu
Clean Technol. 2026, 8(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol8020057 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 864
Abstract
The sustainable valorization of food waste is essential for advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing the environmental impacts of organic waste disposal. This study presents an integrated approach combining hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and anaerobic digestion (AD) to recover renewable energy and valuable resources [...] Read more.
The sustainable valorization of food waste is essential for advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing the environmental impacts of organic waste disposal. This study presents an integrated approach combining hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and anaerobic digestion (AD) to recover renewable energy and valuable resources from food waste. The process was simulated in Aspen Plus® version 14.1 using thermochemical and biochemical reaction models to evaluate the effects of feed moisture (60–85%) and HTC temperature (180–280 °C) on performance. Integration of HTC and AD increased overall energy recovery by 26–38% compared to standalone AD, with a feed moisture of 85%, organic loading of 4 kg VS m−3 d−1, and mesophilic/thermophilic temperatures of 35 and 55 °C. Improvements resulted from higher methane yield (0.42 m3 CH4 kg−1 VS) from HTC liquor and energy-rich hydrochar (25–29 MJ kg−1). The techno-economic assessment indicated a net energy ratio of 2.3, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 18.6%, and a 4.8-year payback period, confirming economic viability. Sensitivity analysis highlighted energy prices and feedstock costs as key drivers, while Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated stability under ±20% uncertainty. Optimal conditions (HTC at 220 °C, 65% moisture, and 100 kg h−1 solid loading) significantly enhanced profitability and carbon efficiency. Overall, the integrated HTC–AD process offers a technically, economically, and environmentally sustainable route for converting food waste into renewable energy and biochar, supporting circular bioeconomy and net-zero energy goals. Full article
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