Title : From waste to wealth: A circular bioeconomy approach for the brewing industry through brewery spent grains valorization
Abstract:
Mexico, a global leader in beer production and export, faces the challenge of managing the abundant waste generated by the brewing industry, particularly Brewery Spent Grains (BSG). This waste, constituting 85% of the total waste produced, has been underutilized due to its high moisture content and difficulties in transportation and storage. However, BSG possesses significant potential as a source of high-value molecules, including proteins, ethanol, organic acids, carbohydrates and fiber.This project presents a comprehensive approach for the valorization of BSG through a circular bioeconomy model for beer industry. The viability of biotransforming BSG into valuable compounds was successfully demonstrated. The pretreatment of BSG employed green solvents to avoid fermentation inhibitors. Ligninolytic enzymes produced by Mexican native fungi were utilized for effective production of fermentable sugars, which were then converted into ethanol using a yeast strain adapted for pentose and hexose fermentation. The ethanol yield reached x* liters per gram of biomass, highlighting BSG as a competitive feedstock for bioethanol production with reduced environmental impact to be applied mainly in transportation industry. Furthermore, the liquid fraction obtained from the fermentation process was analysed, revealing the presence of post-fermentation organic compounds such as acetic, succinic, citric, and propionic acid. These compounds exhibited plant growth promotion effects, contributing to enhanced root system elongation and soil improvement for plant productivity. The solid fraction was subjected to heat treatment to inactivate the probiotic yeast used in the fermentation and recover molecules with postbiotic potential, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other bioactive compounds (ongoing experiments), different formulations will be proposed for its use, including for human or animal consumption. Collaborative efforts between national and international universities (Tecnologico de Monterrey, CIATEJ, and the University of Berkeley) and industry brewery partner Cerveceria Cielito Lindo which facilitated the demonstration of technical feasibility of the technology offers a landscape for future transfer and licensing for other breweries. This paves the way for the commercialization and widespread implementation of these developed processes, enabling brewing industries to achieve zero-emissions goals while increasing profitability. In conclusion, this study showcases the successful conversion of BSG waste into valuable resources through a circular bioeconomy approach. The findings contribute to waste reduction, enhanced sustainability, and the production of high value compounds.
Audience Take Away
- Attendees will gain an understanding of the importance of effective waste management for achieving sustainability goals
- Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that enable the efficient and sustainable conversion of lignocellulosic waste, that can be transformed into valuable molecules through bioprocess intensification
- The presentation will emphasize the need to explore new biofuel feedstock options for long-term feasibility, considering that fuel combustion is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions
- The presentation will also underline the importance of collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and policymakers in driving forward sustainable waste management strategies
- I will also highlight the potential for technology transfer and commercialization of these processes, to make the technology available for society
