CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY AND GREEN EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR CELLULOSE RECOVERY FROM FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PEEL WASTE: ADVANCES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The rapid growth of agro-industrial activities has led to the generation of substantial quantities of fruit and vegetable peel waste, posing serious environmental and disposal challenges. These lignocellulosic residues are rich in cellulose, a renewable, biodegradable, and versatile biopolymer with wide applications in food, pharmaceutical, packaging, textile, and biomedical industries. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the valorization of fruit and vegetable peels as sustainable feedstocks for cellulose extraction, in line with circular economy and waste-to-wealth concepts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sources, composition, and structural characteristics of cellulose present in fruit and vegetable peel waste. Various extraction and isolation technologies, including conventional chemical treatments, physical and mechanical processes, enzymatic methods, and emerging green and eco-friendly approaches, are critically discussed. The influence of processing parameters on cellulose yield, purity, crystallinity, and functional properties is examined. Furthermore, the key challenges associated with cellulose extraction-such as high chemical consumption, energy demand, scalability issues, and environmental concerns-are analyzed. Finally, future perspectives focusing on green extraction technologies, biorefinery integration, and advanced applications of peel-derived cellulose are highlighted. This review aims to serve as a valuable reference for researchers and industry stakeholders seeking sustainable strategies for cellulose recovery from fruit and vegetable peel waste.