Sustainable Approaches to Natural Product Extraction in Food Systems
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Food".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 24
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Special Issue, “Sustainable Approaches to Natural Product Extraction in Food Systems”, will address the growing need for environmentally friendly and resource-efficient methods to recover bioactive compounds and other natural products from food and food by-products. Conventional extraction processes often rely on hazardous solvents and high-energy inputs, creating both ecological and economic challenges. In response, increasing attention is being directed toward green technologies that contribute to sustainable food production and circular economy principles. This Special Issue invites contributions on innovative extraction methods such as supercritical fluid, ultrasound- and microwave-assisted, pressurized liquid, and enzyme-assisted processes, as well as the use of renewable and food-grade solvents, including natural deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids. It will also include research on process-intensification strategies, the valorization of agricultural residues, and the integration of life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis to better evaluate the sustainability of new approaches.
The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and present solutions that combine environmental protection with economic efficiency, thereby fostering the development of eco-efficient food systems. While the existing literature on green chemistry and sustainable food processing offers valuable insights, it often remains fragmented, focusing either on small-scale laboratory studies or isolated industrial applications. By bringing together scientific innovation, comparative analyses of traditional and green extraction methods, and discussions on industrial scalability, regulatory frameworks, and societal acceptance, this Special Issue seeks to bridge those gaps and present an integrated perspective. In doing so, it aims to supplement current research by offering a comprehensive overview of sustainable extraction strategies and their potential to transform food systems through reduced resource use, enhanced environmental performance, and the delivery of healthier and more natural products.
Dr. Edyta Symoniuk
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- sustainable extraction
- natural products
- food systems
- green technologies
- bioactive compounds
- circular economy
- food by-products valorization
- life cycle assessment (LCA)
- green solvents
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