Fish waste biorefinery: A novel approach to promote industrial sustainability

Abstract

In pursuit of sustainability and resource efficiency, concept of the circular economy has emerged as a promising framework for industries worldwide. The global fish processing industry generates a significant amount of waste, posing environmental challenges and economic inefficiencies. The substantial volume of fish waste generated globally along with its environmental impact highlights the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices. However, there is significant transformative potential in leveraging fish processing waste to generate industrial value. There are numerous applications of fish processing waste such as extraction of enzymes, protein hydrolysates, collagen, and gelatin. Moreover, the capacity of fish waste to generate chitin, fish oil, and biofuels foresees a future for sustainable resource management. However, it is also necessary to emphasize the need for innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to unlock this potential. While challenges lie ahead, this review explores transformative power of circular economy in reshaping the fisheries industry towards more sustainable future.

Keywords: Biofuel; Chitin; Circular economy; Collagen; Fish waste; Gelatin.