Unlocking the Hidden Value in Waste

What if waste was not an end product but a starting point for innovation? Across industries, vast amounts of byproducts – whether from agriculture, brewing, or industrial production – are discarded, despite their potential to be repurposed into valuable, sustainable materials. At the forefront of this transformation is Professor Solange I. Mussatto, an internationally recognized researcher in bioprocess technology at the Technical University of Denmark’s (DTU) Bioengineering Department. She is spearheading efforts to help companies identify, analyze, and capitalize on the hidden value within their waste streams.

From Waste to High-Value Products

With expertise in biomass conversion, Mussatto and her research team are redefining how industries approach waste. “There is enormous untapped potential in agricultural and industrial side streams,” she explains. “Biotechnology allows us to convert waste into high-value products, such as proteins for food applications, bio-based fuels, and new biomaterials. Our goal is to support companies in recognizing the economic and environmental opportunities in their own byproducts.”

Mussatto’s work spans a range of innovative projects, including the transformation of surplus cork materials into textiles and the development of a novel growth medium for lab-grown meat derived from brewing waste. This breakthrough, which significantly reduces production costs, has already been commercialized by a start-up. She has also pioneered methods to extend the shelf life of fruits and berries using an edible nano-coating extracted from industrial byproducts.

Her research group, Biomass Conversion and Bioprocess Technology (BCBT), is continuously discovering new ways to extract value from waste. From producing ethanol from sugarcane residues to utilizing side streams for bioplastics manufacturing, the applications of her work are diverse and impactful.

Denmark’s Leading Role in Green Innovation

Denmark is uniquely positioned to lead the way in sustainable bioprocessing. Mussatto highlights the country’s strong research infrastructure and willingness among companies to collaborate on green innovation. “Over 90% of my research is conducted in collaboration with industry partners—both in Denmark and internationally. The country’s leadership in green technology is not just due to research funding but also to the proactive approach of companies exploring new opportunities for sustainability.”

To further support industry professionals in this field, DTU Biotech Lifelong Learning has launched a new short course: Bio-Based Technologies for Waste and Side Stream Valorization. This three-day program is designed to introduce participants to the latest advancements in biomass conversion and circular economy solutions.

Learn Circular Innovation Firsthand: A Practical Course on Waste Valorization

Led by Mussatto, the course provides practical insights into sustainable bioprocessing. Participants will gain an understanding of extraction techniques, fermentation, and downstream processing, as well as sustainability assessment and business development strategies. The course is open to a broad audience, including professionals from biotech, engineering, sustainability, and business backgrounds.

One key element of the program is its hands-on approach. Participants will analyze their own company’s waste streams, identifying opportunities to transform discarded materials into valuable resources. By the end of the course, they will have the tools to initiate real-world projects that contribute to both economic and environmental sustainability.

As the biotech industry continues to advance, integrating sustainable resource utilization will be critical for long-term success. DTU’s initiative empowers professionals with the knowledge to drive this change, ensuring that what was once considered waste becomes a vital part of a greener, more circular economy.

For more information about the course, visit DTU Biotech Lifelong Learning.