Management of Potato Peel Waste Through Biorefinery Approaches

Management of the huge waste generated is among the challenges confronting humanity in recent decades. Waste generated from food residues has continued to increase owing to population explosion and increased commercial and industrial activities. Potato tuber is one of the most consumed food, globally, due to its composition and health benefits. Management of the huge waste generated from the peeling of potatoes has elicited genuine concerns among stakeholders. Inappropriate disposal and management of potato peel wastes (PPWs) constitutes an eyesore, attracts flies and other pathogens, exacerbates water pollution and contamination, and impedes efforts toward environmental sustainability. The biorefinery approach is an effective waste management strategy for the conversion and utilization of PPWs. The chapter focuses on the biorefinery approaches for the management of PPWs for environmental and economic sustainability. The techniques for the production of biofuels, bioadsorbents, biopolymers, energy storage devices, and other value-added products from PPWs are discussed. The adoption of biorefinery techniques for the management of PPWs contributes to energy security, renewable energy penetration, waste conversion, and recovery of raw materials for industries. More multidisciplinary studies are needed to discover and escalate more cost-effective and sustainable techniques for the conversion and utilization of PPWs.