Challenges in the valorisation of chitinous biomass within the biorefinery concept

The sustainable production and use of biomass for food, structural material and packaging has become part of global development strategies. Efforts have increased in research and development (R&D) of greener energy, agriculture and manufacturing, aiming toward zero waste. However, waste is often unavoidable and needs to be considered as a new opportunity within the context of a biorefinery. Our focus is on the valorisation of chitinous biomass, in particular chitin and chitosan which is considered as the second most abundant biopolymer on earth after cellulose. Biomass and food waste that can serve as a rich source of chitin comes from diverse origins. Chitin can also be considered as a source of platform chemicals enabled by novel green catalysts. In our opinion, a more holistic evaluation of the chitinous biomass waste supply chains are required. The economics of scale will determine the future trends in R&D of chitin derived products.