What the study found
The review finds that agrifood byproducts and waste, such as shells, skins, pulp, stems, and seeds, contain valuable bioactive compounds. The authors present their valorization, meaning the process of turning waste into useful products, as a pathway linked to sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that valuing agrifood byproducts may help address goals related to hunger, health, clean energy, economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. They also state that these approaches have high potential to improve food security and economic sustainability in the world’s food systems.
What the researchers tested
This is a review article, not an experimental study. It surveys extraction methods, characterization, and potential uses of active compounds from agrifood byproducts in the food, pharmaceutical, packaging, and cosmetic sectors.
What worked and what didn't
The review reports that these residues are rich in phenolics, peptides, carotenoids, fibers, secondary metabolites, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. It also states that by-products can account for 30–50% of raw materials during post-harvest handling and food processing, but the abstract does not compare specific methods or identify which applications worked best.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not provide detailed limitations, so no specific caveats are described here. Because this is a review, the abstract summarizes potential uses and relationships rather than reporting new experimental results.
Key points
- Agrifood byproducts and waste are described as rich sources of bioactive compounds.
- The review links byproduct valorization to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, and 13.
- The article covers extraction methods, characterization, and possible uses in food, pharmaceutical, packaging, and cosmetic sectors.
- The abstract says food loss and waste contribute to 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- The authors state that these approaches have high potential for food security and economic sustainability.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Agrifood byproducts contain compounds that may support sustainability goals
- Authors:
- Sofiane Boudalia, George Symeon, Vassilios Dotas, Zakia Gueboudji, Imane Kouadri, Besma Sehili, Meseret Tesema Terfa, S. Smeti, Yassine Gueroui, Aissam Bousbia
- Institutions:
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hawassa University, University Ferhat Abbas of Setif, University of Batna 1, University of Carthage, University of Guelma, University of Guelma, University of Guelma, University of Guelma
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- DOI:
- 10.3390/su18052165
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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