On site fractionation and fermentation of food waste to lactic acid for bioplastics production

Innovationssamarbejde (Erhvervsfyrtårnet for Biosolutions)

On site fractionation and fermentation of food waste to lactic acid for bioplastics production

Food waste (FW) is typically disposed of, composted, or used for biogas, resulting in high transportation costs and emissions. This project will demonstrate how fats, proteins, and sugars from FW can be extracted and repurposed into valuable products like soaps, biodiesel, bioplastics and animal feed, offering a sustainable solution for high-volume waste producers.

Photo: Large amounts of food waste are generated daily, yet they still contain valuable nutrients and potential for repurposing. (Photo: iStock).

Food waste and potential

Food waste is generated in large amounts but contains valuable fats, sugars, and proteins that can be turned into useful products.

In this project, Curcle ApS, Solum A/S, Danske Shoppingcentre, and Teknologisk Institut will collaborate to set up a local biorefinery at a shopping mall.

By extracting oils and fats from food waste, they are able to reduce waste volume by 16-25%.
Additionally, sugars will be fermented into low-carbon-footprint lactic acid, which can be converted into polylactide for food packaging
Extracted proteins are planned to be used for pet food.

Local biorefineries

The project aims to design a modular, financially self-sustaining, and localized biorefinery that both valorizes and reduces FW.

By enhancing the circularity of the food value chain, the project seeks to promote bioplastics over petrochemical alternatives by lowering production costs, contributing to a more sustainable future.