Influence of products portfolio and process contextualization on the economic performance of small- and large-scale avocado biorefineries

This research paper seeks to evaluate the influence of the context, processing scale, and portfolio of products on the economic performance of different avocado-based biorefineries. For this, two scenarios in small and large-scale biorefineries were compared. The case of scenario 1 (avocado oil, animal feed, and electricity produc-tion) was the best small-scale alternative to be implemented in rural zones than scenario 2 (guacamole and electricity production). The minimum Processing Scale for Economic Feasibility was 0.85 and 1.1 ton/day for scenarios 1 and 2. Compared to lactic acid and xylitol production, the large-scale process addressed to produce levulinic acid, furfural, and lignin (scenario 1) was the best option (scenario 2). In scenario 1, the minimum Processing Scale for Economic Feasibility was 15.50 ton/day compared with scenario 2 of 41.95 ton/day. Based on these values, scenario 1 has the highest feasibility of being implemented in countries such as Colombia.

Automated summary

This research paper evaluates the economic performance of avocado-based biorefineries with different processing scales and product portfolios. Small-scale operations are better suited for rural areas, while large-scale processes are more efficient in producing products like levulinic acid and furfural.