Valorização de resíduos agroindustriais da laranja na geração de produtos com maior valor agregado

Abstract

Brazil’s citrus industry is the global leader in orange juice production and exportation. However, fruit processing generates a significant amount of residues, such as peel, seeds, and pulp, which account for nearly 50% of the total mass, creating both environmental and economic challenges. Currently, these residues are largely converted into Citrus Pulp Pellets (CPP), a low value-added byproduct used as animal feed. Considering the need to improve biomass utilization efficiency and align the sector with circular economy principles, this study evaluated alternative routes for the valorization of orange processing residues by characterizing the production chain, describing the main waste streams, and reviewing technological pathways based on market data and scientific literature. The assessment identified relevant opportunities to produce pectin, ethanol and biogas. Based on these findings, an integrated biorefinery configuration was proposed, designed to complement the existing juice-processing infrastructure and optimize material flows, reduce losses and increase product diversification. Although the economic analysis considered only the potential market value of the resulting coproducts, without accounting for operational or capital costs, the results indicate that the valorization of orange residues represents a promising strategy to make the citrus chain more sustainable, innovative, and aligned with global demands for low-impact industrial processes.