Overview of Agro-Food Waste and by Products Valorization for Polymer Synthesis, and Modification for Bio-Composite Production.

The world economy growth and global population rising push for a more efficient management of the Earth’s natural resources. The combined plastic and food sector form an important part of the EU economy, accounting for 15 million jobs. Unlocking the innovation potential in the field of packaging, and cosmetics will significantly contribute to job creation and competitiveness. Sus-tainable synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanaotes from agro-food by-products as well as synthesis of lactic acid co-polymers constitute a pathway to performing and sustainable polymeric matrices. Natural fibers as well as polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, chitin, chitosan), cutin and protein rich by-products are abundantly available from the agrofood industry. Natural fibres may be modified chemically, with enzymes or treating their surface with natural waxes with a significant im-provement in adhesion and impact resistance. An overview on the availability, collection, treat-ment and approach to valorization of largely available agro-food waste biomass for both polymers and biocomposites production, is hereby reported with exampled of case studies and product de-veloped in our research units, such as sustainable pots, rigid containers, active films, non-woven tissue.