Economic and Commercialization of Food Waste as Corrosion Inhibitor

To make waste more sustainable and environmentally friendly, the criterion for future production processes will be to give waste “new life”. Metal corrosion, spurred by electrochemical reactions with the environment, poses a significant global challenge from both economic and environmental standpoints.  Among the current anti-corrosion technologies, corrosion-inhibitors are regarded as one of the most promising applications due to their good anti-corrosion properties. Conventional, corrosion inhibitors pollute the environment, so there is an urgent need to develop new “green” corrosion inhibitors that are environmentally friendly, widely available, biodegradable, and economical. Food waste is a new class of corrosion inhibitors with a wide range of applications. Food waste, a growing global issue, offers a sustainable source for bio-based corrosion inhibitors. This innovative solution repurposes organic waste materials, such as fruit peels and vegetable scraps, to create environmentally friendly, cost-effective corrosion inhibitors. These inhibitors have demonstrated significant potential in laboratory environments, offering strong protection against corrosion in various industries, including construction, oil and gas, and marine applications. By utilizing food waste as a feedstock, this initiative not only provides a sustainable solution for corrosion prevention but also reduces the environmental footprint of waste disposal. This chapter will discuss the aspect of commercialization and challenges associated with food waste-derived corrosion inhibitors. This not only addresses the global challenge of corrosion but also contributes to a more sustainable and circular economy. This chapter outlines the promising prospects of this approach, highlighting its economic, environmental, and societal benefits.