Environmental valorization of Peruvian orange Biowaste: sustainable extraction of functional compounds to reduce agro-industrial waste: A Review

This review discusses the potential of valorizing orange biowaste as an eco-friendly approach for environmental mitigation and resource reuse. This paper focuses on how high-value compounds, such as essential oils (limonene, citral), flavonoids, polyphenols, pectin, dietary fibers, and carotenoids, found in orange peels, pomace, and seeds, can be recovered by citrus-processing industries. The systematic review references peer-reviewed studies, government policies, and case studies from citrus-producing regions, particularly in Peru, Spain, Brazil, and the United States. It provides an overview of key waste-to-value technologies. It highlights successful local initiatives in Peru, where producer organizations and small businesses have developed extraction processes to create natural food additives and cosmetic ingredients. The experiences from international models demonstrate that biowaste valorization can be integrated within the framework of a circular economy, suggesting a potential for scaling up these practices. At the same time, there are constraints, such as technological limitations and market competition, which affect the potential use of citrus biowaste in value chains. This integration can enhance environmental sustainability, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment, while also improving socio-economic conditions. The paper concludes that effective policy-making, investments in research and development, and the implementation of a circular economy model are crucial for promoting the valorization of citrus biowaste in agro-industrial systems.