Research Progress and Evaluation Challenges of By-Product and Waste Valorization, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The world is facing an ever-increasing pressure on its natural resources, aggravated by the increasing consumer demands for new and more affordable bioactive products. On top of that, environmental awareness and concern by the public in general demands a shift in production strategies for new valuable products for high-value markets, such as cosmetic or nutraceutical products. The valorization of by-products and waste products is an attractive and compelling strategy, giving rise to new products while complying with the ideas of the circular economy.

Considering these points, this Special Issue aims to explore the field of by-product valorization processes for the development of sustainable products for high-value markets and the utilization of old and new by-products and waste streams from various industries to create value-added products for growing markets. Evaluation of explored strategies by means of green and sustainability metrics is highly encouraged, thus providing solid grounds on the sustainability claims of evaluated strategies.

The scope of this Special Issue will encompass the examination of different valorization processes, their potential applications, and their environmental impact assessment using green metrics. The topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Latest advancements and novel approaches in by-product valorization within the context of high-value markets, such as, but not limited to, nutraceutical or cosmeceutical product development.
• Identification of new sources of bioactive compounds, extraction techniques, formulation strategies, and quality control methods.
• Evaluation of the sustainability aspects of valorization processes, emphasizing the use of green metrics.
• Evaluation of environmental, economic, and social impacts of valorization processes, such as energy and material consumption, carbon footprint, waste generation, and socioeconomic benefits.
• Comprehensive overview of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of valorization of by-products and wastes into value-added products.

This Special Issue will thus contribute to the knowledge base by highlighting successful case studies, discussing technological advancements, and identifying future research directions grounded by objective and solid sustainability evaluation.

Therefore, we encourage all authors to contribute their original research articles, reviews, and case studies that investigate already established and innovative strategies and technologies for the efficient conversion of by-products into valuable ingredients or finished products, with particular emphasis on strategies’ evaluation by means of sustainability and green metrics.

We look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Carlos Miguel Henriques Ferreira
Dr. Sara Silva
Dr. Catarina Silva S. Oliveira
Dr. Alessandra Braga Ribeiro
Guest Editors

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