The global silk industry, while centuries old, continues to produce significant amounts of waste at various stages, from sericulture to postproduction processes. These waste streams, rich in biomaterials, offer immense potential for sustainable valorization but remain underexploited. This chapter investigates the different types of silk biomass generated, exploring their chemical properties and suitability for converting into bioenergy, particularly biogas through anaerobic digestion. It also examines innovative pathways for transforming silk waste into valuable bioproducts such as bioplastics, biomedical materials, cosmetics, and animal feed, highlighting the technological and economic opportunities involved. Despite promising advancements, several barriers, including extraction challenges, technological limitations, and awareness gaps, hinder widespread implementation. By reviewing successful case studies and current challenges, the chapter underscores the vital role of silk biomass in advancing circular economy practices. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of future research, innovation, and policy support to unlock the full potential of silk waste for sustainable development.

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Silk Industry Waste Biomass: Repurposing for Bioenergy and Bioproducts

  • Reema Kumar,
  • Seyedehsetayesh Kazemi,
  • Satinder Kaur Brar

摘要

The global silk industry, while centuries old, continues to produce significant amounts of waste at various stages, from sericulture to postproduction processes. These waste streams, rich in biomaterials, offer immense potential for sustainable valorization but remain underexploited. This chapter investigates the different types of silk biomass generated, exploring their chemical properties and suitability for converting into bioenergy, particularly biogas through anaerobic digestion. It also examines innovative pathways for transforming silk waste into valuable bioproducts such as bioplastics, biomedical materials, cosmetics, and animal feed, highlighting the technological and economic opportunities involved. Despite promising advancements, several barriers, including extraction challenges, technological limitations, and awareness gaps, hinder widespread implementation. By reviewing successful case studies and current challenges, the chapter underscores the vital role of silk biomass in advancing circular economy practices. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of future research, innovation, and policy support to unlock the full potential of silk waste for sustainable development.