Management and valorisation strategies for transforming food waste into bio-based products: Roadblocks and the way forward

Food waste that is disposed of or not processed tends to release greenhouse gases, such as carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is necessary to explore food waste management techniques and the conversion of food waste into value-added products. With a focus on lipase and bacterial cellulose production, this paper first demonstrates the functions of several bioprocesses in the transformation of food waste. It also elucidates the bioconversion of food waste into value-added products such as polyurethane foam and personal protective equipment. State-of-the-art multiomics strategies for managing food waste in the context of pollution control and the movement towards a circular bioeconomy are discussed, and potential roadblocks are identified.