An in-depth analysis of the sugar industry’s waste management approaches in the context of the circular economy framework: A comprehensive systematic review

Abstract

This study was carried out to address the current research gaps in the categorization of suggested approaches and to identify applied approaches in sugar industry waste management, taking into account the circular economy (CE) principle by systematically searching and screening trustworthy articles in databases. Along with sustainable development, the objectives of using the CE as a framework to determine the appropriate approaches are to lessen the environmental effects of waste, provide dual economic advantages and aid in selecting the best strategy for each nation and the sugar industry. The wastes produced during the crop-based sugar extraction process include filter mud, sugar beet pulp, sugar cane bagasse and sugar cane bagasse ash. This study examined several waste management approaches for the sugar sector, divided into two broad categories: suggested and applied approaches. To facilitate improved comprehension and differentiation, the evaluation of sugar industry waste management methods identified six primary categories: (A) Fuel and energy production, (B) Construction materials production, (C) Industrial application, (D) Food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries application, (E) Agriculture application and (F) Pollutants purification. Of these six categories, the industrial applications and pollutant purification categories have not yet been applied at the field scale and require further study before they can be implemented. However, the methods that are used are also restricted and lacking in variety. Despite the fact that numerous methods have been proposed for handling all kinds of waste in the sugar industry, very few have actually been put into practice at the field scale.

Graphical abstract: