Upcycling: The Treasure Behind the ‘Waste’
Because organic waste goes through numerous stages during its life cycle – with the majority ending up in landfills – the disposal of large “waste” amounts has a significant negative impact on the environment and reusable resources. But “waste” ought to be regarded as a resource if it can be turned into cash.
Upcycling food waste is thought to be a better option than traditional garbage disposal methods since it may be put to other useful purposes. Conventional methods of waste disposal, such as incineration and landfill use, may result in an uncontrolled release of greenhouse gases.
Anaerobic digestion, composting, and animal feed are a few more waste treatment techniques that could be included in a broad definition of upcycling. However a more restricted approach is required in this context. In particular, creativity and technology are used to develop fresh, effective ways to turn leftover food into creative items that may be used as sustainable resources.
Products like potato peel, for example, could be used as composting materials (soil fertilizers), packaging materials, commodity chemicals for other industries, and sources of biofuel or bioenergy. According to the waste hierarchy, landfilling is the last resort when all attempts at waste minimization have been made and valorization and other waste management strategies are not feasible.
It is estimated that the trash and by-products produced by the potato business account for 12–20% of the overall volume of production. Upcycling can occur during manufacturing, but consumers who care about the financial and environmental costs of food waste at home can also undertake the task by employing nutrient-dense potatoes in a variety of ways.
“Since potato prices are up and overall inflation has increased food prices by double digits, upcycling potato peels makes sense. Using the whole potato while enjoying new ways to consume it, reinforces the potato’s value. Saving money while spending time around the table with friends and family is especially important at this time of year and during these economic conditions,” Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, said.
Turning Potato Peels Into Plastic Sheets and Nylon Fibers
The new wasteCANcreate program from Ontario Genomics brings together Canadian researchers and industry partners from the energy, agriculture and food, plastic films, and performance textiles sectors to develop real-world solutions to the waste problem that is threatening the climate, wildlife habitats, and critical natural resources like fresh water.
Precision fermentation converts food waste into useable goods such as biodegradable polymers by using naturally occurring or designed microorganisms. This novel upcycling technology also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, eliminates the need for petroleum-based plastics, and boosts the province’s economy through employment creation.
You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 4 of Potato Business Dossier 2023, which you can access by clicking here.