Valorization of agri-food wastes

Abstract

Agri-food wastes are inherently generated along the food production chain. In this sense, a significant reduction or better management of them could improve food security and also reduce hunger. It should be noted that several global organizations have estimated that food wastes could reach 126 million tons by 2020. Normally, agricultural wastes have been used as animal feeds and fertilizers. Nonetheless, most agricultural wastes have macro- and micronutrients, as well as bioactive compounds that could have a high added value after agricultural waste valorization processes, e.g., the latter can be extracted and incorporated as food additives for the manufacture of active and intelligent packaging, while macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids can lead to obtaining biosurfactants and single cell oils of high added value to be used in food sector. This chapter aims to provide some perspectives and advances in the valuation of agri-food wastes.