Potential and Sustainable Utilization of Tea Processing Waste: A Review
摘要
Global tea consumption in 2022 reached approximately 6.7 billion kg, with projections indicating an increase to 7.4 billion kg by 2025. The rising global demand for tea has led to a substantial increase in production, resulting in the generation of vast quantities of waste that pose significant environmental challenges. This chapter investigates the potential and sustainable exploitation of tea processing waste, focusing on its global production metrics, physical and chemical properties, and the bioactive compounds it contains. The chapter highlights the conversion of tea waste into value-added products and explores its innovative applications across several fields, including pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, environmental remediation, energy production, polymer composite manufacturing, and energy storage. The discussion aims to provide researchers with comprehensive insights into the use of tea waste as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable biomass resource, thereby promoting sustainable development within diverse industries. Through detailed analysis, the chapter highlights the multifaceted benefits and applications of tea waste, positioning it as a pivotal component in advancing ecological sustainability and industrial innovation.