1. Industrialization potential analysis of citrus waste in Colombia.
- Author
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González-Blair, Gloria H.
- Subjects
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CITRUS fruit industry , *INDUSTRIAL wastes , *INDUSTRIAL capacity , *DIETARY fiber , *WASTE management - Abstract
Citrus production in Colombia is divided into six productive centers, with a total production of 1,450 thousand tons in 2021. The greater entrepreneurial activity stands out in the West and a lower level in the South, which generates 230 thousand tons per year of citrus waste, posing challenges in terms of pollution and wet/semi-solid waste management. This study evaluates the industrial potential of these waste products for strengthening the national citrus industry, considering three aspects: raw materials availability, technological opportunities, and market opportunities. The results indicate that Colombia has a robust citrus production, with an emphasis on oranges, mandarins, and lemons, and significant potential in the industrialization of the peel, which constitutes between 40% and 60% of the total fruit. To industrialization were identified six key research areas of citrus waste in terms of technological opportunities. Regarding market opportunities, there is observed growth both nationally and internationally in products derived from citrus waste, including essential oils, terpenes, dietary fiber, pectin, citric acid, and biofuels. Colombia is considered a country with great potential for the industrialization of citrus waste, supported by its abundant raw materials, promising technological opportunities, and a growing market. However, improvements in infrastructure, investment in research and development, and the promotion of entrepreneurial culture in the citrus sector are needed to fully capitalize on this opportunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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