circular economy – Page 3

Sustainability in Cosmetic Dermatology: Moving Toward an Ecologically Responsible Future

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Cosmetic dermatology clinics and companies are adopting more environmentally responsible practices to reduce their impact on the planet. This includes switching to biodegradable ingredients, using renewable energy, implementing waste reduction through refillable packaging, and using AI to optimize operations. The industry is also embracing ethical sourcing of ingredients and transparent supply chains through technologies like blockchain to verify sustainability claims and reduce misleading environmental marketing.

Turning the Cocopith Waste into Myceliated Biocomposite to Make an Insulator

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Researchers developed an environmentally-friendly insulation material by growing mushroom mycelium (Ganoderma lucidum) on cocopith, a waste product from coconut fiber processing. The resulting biocomposite has thermal insulation properties comparable to commercial insulators like Styrofoam and polyurethane, but is completely biodegradable and made from agricultural waste. This innovation addresses waste management problems while creating a sustainable material for thermal insulation in buildings, food processing, and industrial equipment.

MycelioTronics: Fungal mycelium skin for sustainable electronics

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Researchers have developed a new type of electronic device substrate made from fungal mycelium, the thread-like root structure of mushrooms. This material is completely biodegradable and can be processed like traditional electronic materials to create flexible circuits and batteries. The mycelium-based devices can power wireless sensors and transmit data via Bluetooth, demonstrating that sustainable electronics can perform just as well as conventional ones while being composted at the end of their life.

Solid-state fermentation of hemp waste: enhancing the performance of Hermetia illucens larvae and altering the composition of hemp secondary metabolites

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Researchers tested whether fermenting hemp plant waste with different mushroom types could make it a better food source for black soldier fly larvae, which produce valuable protein for animal feed. They found that different mushroom species had different effects: Ganoderma lucidum significantly increased the amount of larvae produced, while Trichoderma reesei increased beneficial cannabinoid content. Pleurotus ostreatus and Hypsizygus ulmarius removed unwanted cannabinoids from the waste. This approach offers a promising way to turn hemp waste into high-quality insect feed while controlling the levels of bioactive compounds.

Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling up Architectural Applications of Mycelium-Based Materials with Digital Fabrication

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Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be grown with agricultural waste to create building materials that are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. While these materials show promise for insulation and non-structural uses, scaling them up for large buildings faces challenges including lower strength compared to traditional materials and lack of standardized production methods. The paper reviews various fabrication techniques and existing projects to suggest how digital design and advanced manufacturing could help overcome these barriers.

The application of laccase-rich extract of spent mushroom substrates for removing lignin from jute fabric waste: a dual management approach

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This research shows how leftover mushroom growing material (SMS) can be recycled into a useful enzyme called laccase to make jute fabric softer and lighter by removing tough lignin components. Instead of using harsh chemicals, the scientists used mild conditions and natural enzymes to process jute waste sustainably. From just one bag of mushroom waste, they could treat an area of fabric equivalent to 2000 square meters, making this an economically attractive solution for both mushroom and textile waste management.

Upcycled Orange Peel Ingredients: A Scoping Review on Phytochemical Composition, Extraction Techniques, and Biorefinery Strategies

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Orange peels, which make up half the weight of oranges, are usually thrown away but contain valuable compounds beneficial for health. Scientists have found that these peels are rich in phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support gut health. New methods are being developed to extract and use these beneficial compounds in food products, creating a more sustainable and waste-free approach to the citrus industry.

Development of Leather-like Materials from Enzymatically Treated Green Kiwi Peel and Valorization of By-Products for Microbial Bioprocesses

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This research shows how kiwi fruit peels, normally discarded as waste, can be transformed into leather-like materials through enzymatic treatment. The study found that treating the peels with commercial enzymes produced flexible, durable films with properties comparable to traditional leather, while the leftover liquid from the treatment process could be used to grow industrially useful yeast cultures. This integrated approach demonstrates how agro-food waste can be completely recycled into valuable products, supporting sustainable manufacturing practices.

Valorization and Environmental Impacts of Pecan Waste: A Critical Review

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Pecan shells, which make up about half of the pecan nut and are usually discarded, contain valuable compounds with health-promoting properties like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These shells can be transformed into useful products including ingredients for food supplements and medicines, activated carbon for cleaning water, materials for making eco-friendly plastics, and energy sources. By converting pecan waste into valuable products instead of throwing it away, communities can reduce environmental pollution, improve public health, and create economic opportunities while supporting sustainable farming practices.

Transforming Tomato Industry By-Products into Antifungal Peptides Through Enzymatic Hydrolysis

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Researchers have found a way to turn tomato processing waste into useful antifungal compounds. By breaking down tomato seed proteins using enzymes, they created peptides that can prevent harmful fungi like Fusarium from growing on crops. This discovery helps reduce food waste while providing a natural alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting tomato and grain crops.

Research Topic: circular economy