Agri-Food Waste Utilization for Sustainable Future: Challenges and: Opportunities: Volume II

This Research Topic is the second volume in a continuing series on agri-food waste utilization, building on Volume I’s focus on bioactive compound extraction and application. While Volume I examined valorization at the ingredient level, this collection deliberately broadens the lens — introducing systems-level perspectives including circular bioeconomy models, life cycle assessment, policy frameworks, and the scale-up of technologies from laboratory to industrial application. Together, the two volumes offer a comprehensive view of agri-food waste as both a scientific challenge and a strategic opportunity for sustainable food systems.Agri-food waste has emerged as a critical global concern, with nearly one-third of all food produced being lost or wasted across the supply chain. This waste is generated at multiple stages, including primary agricultural production, post-harvest handling, storage, processing, distribution, retail, and final consumption. Such losses not only represent a significant economic burden but also exacerbate environmental challenges by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water and energy consumption, and increasing pressure on landfills. Moreover, the disposal of organic waste often leads to soil and water contamination, further impacting ecosystem health. Paradoxically, these waste streams are rich reservoirs of valuable bioactive compounds, fibers, proteins, lipids, and micronutrients, as well as possessing substantial potential for bioenergy generation. In the context of rising global population, climate change, and resource scarcity, the sustainable transformation of agri-food waste into value-added products is gaining recognition as a cornerstone of circular economy frameworks and resilient food systems.Despite notable technological progress in recent years, the efficient and large-scale utilization of agri-food residues remains limited due to several persistent challenges. Existing valorization strategies are often fragmented and lack integration across technological, economic, and policy dimensions. Many promising innovations, such as microbial bioconversion, enzymatic processing, and thermochemical treatments, remain confined to laboratory or pilot scales, with limited translation to industrial applications. Furthermore, heterogeneity in waste composition, seasonal variability, logistical constraints in collection and transportation, inadequate infrastructure, and stringent or unclear regulatory frameworks continue to impede implementation. There is also a lack of awareness and engagement among key stakeholders, including farmers, industries, and policymakers, which further restricts adoption. Addressing these issues requires interdisciplinary collaboration and systems-level thinking. This Research Topic seeks to bridge these gaps by promoting research that integrates cutting-edge technologies with economic feasibility and supportive policy frameworks. Particular emphasis will be placed on scalable solutions such as biorefineries, circular bioeconomy models, and sustainable processing approaches that can convert agri-food waste into biofuels, bioplastics, platform chemicals, animal feed, and nutraceutical products, thereby generating environmental, economic, and societal benefits.This collection aims to provide a comprehensive platform for advancing knowledge on sustainable agri-food waste management and utilization. It welcomes contributions that adopt multidisciplinary approaches spanning science, engineering, economics, and policy. Topics of interest include innovative valorization technologies, resource recovery strategies, life cycle and techno-economic assessments, digital tools for waste tracking and optimization, and successful case studies of industrial implementation. Both fundamental and applied research are encouraged, including original research articles, reviews, short communications, and case studies that contribute to the development of sustainable and scalable solutions for agri-food waste utilization.Scope and Subthemes:• Innovative technologies for agri-food waste valorization (e.g., bioconversion, fermentation, pyrolysis) • Extraction of bioactive compounds and development of functional foods or nutraceuticals • Metabolic engineering approaches to boost the targeted compounds production from agricultural wastes.• Bioenergy production from agricultural residues (biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel) • Circular economy approaches and sustainable supply chain models • Life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact analysis • Policy, regulatory frameworks, and socio-economic aspects of waste utilization • Smart and digital solutions for waste tracking and management • Case studies on industrial-scale implementation and commercialization • Challenges in scaling up and technology transfer Topic editors: Muzaffar Hasan, Chirag Maheshwari, Shalini Gaur Rudra Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82252/agri-food-waste-utilization-for-sustainable-future-challenges-and-opportunities-volume-ii