Biowaste is all organic matter (of plant or animal origin) which can no longer fulfil its initial purpose – very often, human consumption – nor a secondary purpose as a co-product.

This can happen for several reasons: damaged products, an error in the production chain, a break in the cold chain, exceeding the use-by date, etc.

When they cannot be integrated into a circular economy approach to regain their primary food role, it is appropriate to analyze the different outlets to define the most relevant possible follow-up.

In this article, we give you some possible avenues for reflection.

Methanization is probably the simplest and most responsible outlet to set up, since all biowaste is admissible and with the necessary expertise it is possible to build recurring logistics that are economical for the industrialist. It is also the strongest solution in terms of revaluation if we compare it to compost, since it is the only one to produce a double recovery: energy through the production of biogas, and fertilizer for crops via digestate.

Some waste can be reused in animal feed after a suitable treatment process (they then become co-products). Methappro can also support you on this path.

Other biowaste can be transformed into chemicals and bioplastics. For example, enzymes or natural dyes can be extracted from them, or they can be used as raw materials to produce biodegradable packaging. However, this process only works with certain specific biowaste and requires very expensive set-up and technologies.

A final example of the transformation of these biowastes is the conversion into other non-food products, but this is also not accessible to all organic waste. This is the case, for example, of skin care products or cosmetics, for which extracts of essential oils extracted from these plant wastes can be used.

The anti-waste law requires all professionals to recycle their biowaste into methanization or compost, regardless of their volume.

Industrialists, contact us for more information on the best outlets for your biowaste!louis@methappro.fr