Biotechnological Strategies for Transforming Pulp and Paper Industry Waste into High-Value Products: A Pathway for Sustainable Environmental Management
摘要
The pulp and paper industry (PPI) is one of the global contributor to cellulose-rich waste, posing both environmental and economic challenges. Pulp and paper industry waste (PPIW) is generally classified into liquid and solid types, each with distinct characteristics. Environmentally friendly treatment and efficient utilization of PPIW are essential to minimize environmental impacts before disposal and to improve waste management’s economic feasibility. Thus, PPIs are increasingly seeking energy-efficient management solutions to utilize this waste in ways that are both ecologically and economically beneficial. Valorization has gained attention as an effective strategy, providing an eco-sustainable solution to treat and manage Kraft black liquor. Using biotechnological methods for waste valorization is proving to be a promising strategy for PPIW management. This approach not only converts waste into valuable products but also supports circular economy and cleaner production principles, creating closed-loop systems that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable management practices. Adopting biotechnological waste valorization aligns with cleaner production goals, where waste generation is minimized, and resource efficiency is enhanced throughout the production cycle. This chapter aims to explore biotechnological strategies for valorizing PPIW as a feedstock for bioresource recovery, including bioenergy, biofuel, and various value-added products within integrated PPI frameworks. The present chapter offers a roadmap for advancing research on the effective, and environmentally friendly handling of PPIW. In conclusion, biotechnological strategies present a dual benefit by reducing the industry’s environmental impact and generating economic value from waste, thereby encouraging sustainable practices.