Enemy recovery from brewery spent grains and spent coffee grounds: a circular economy approach to waste valorization

Currently, the circular economy approach is gaining importance, and it is already a concern to different industrial sectors, intending to eliminate the waste produced while trying to create new value chains. In addition to this disruptive process, the net-zero carbon emissions objective can be fulfilled. In this way, the energy recovery of residual biomass forms is assumed to be a high potential alternative for pursuing this objective. The present work deals with the recovery of brewery spent grains (BSG) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) through direct combustion. Samples were collected and characterized to analyze the viability of BSG and SCG combustion recovery options. From the results, it can be concluded that, although this possibility can be viable under certain circumstances, some constraints due to the composition of these materials can jeopardize this recovery option. Further research concerning the life cycle assessment of these materials and eventual environmental impacts caused by such a solution is still missing and must be conducted. It is also essential to proceed with further chemical characterization of these wastes concerning corrosion-related phenomena and to justify diverting both BSG and SCG from urban solid waste streams. After this preliminary approach, the research can also focus on the economic analysis and quantification of resource availability.

Automated summary

The circular economy approach is gaining importance in various industrial sectors, aiming to eliminate waste and create new value chains. This study focuses on the recovery of brewery spent grains and spent coffee grounds through direct combustion. However, the composition of these materials may pose constraints on their recovery options. Further research on life cycle assessment, environmental impacts, and economic analysis is needed.