Jackfruit waste for the production of sustainable biorefinery products: a step towards bio-economic advancement

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is recognized for its taste and nutritional value but poses significant waste management challenges due to its sizable seeds, peels, and residual parts. Valorizing jackfruit waste represents a sustainable solution that transforms this overlooked resource into valuable biorefinery products, contributing to bio-economic advancement. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of jackfruit waste in biorefinery processes to create sustainable products, thereby addressing environmental and economic concerns. Analysis of jackfruit waste composition reveals a rich mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and bioactive compounds. Innovative scientific methods like enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation transform these components into a variety of bio-based products such as biofuels, enzymes, bioplastics, and nutraceuticals. These products have significant applications in the food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and bioenergy industries, offering economic advantages, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigating environmental impacts. Overcoming technical, market, and regulatory obstacles is essential to ensure the scalability and viability of biorefinery processes. This review’s novelty lies in its comprehensive approach to valuing jackfruit waste and its potential to foster a more sustainable and robust bioeconomy. Collaborations across academia, industry, and policymakers, in conjunction with heightened research and development efforts, are vital for precisely harnessing the enormous potential of jackfruit waste utilization to foster a more sustainable and resilient bioeconomy. Further research is imperative to enhance biorefinery processes for utilizing jackfruit waste, with a particular emphasis on increasing yield while minimizing costs.