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August 12, 2021 | Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition |

Conducted by Aarhus University, Denmark, this study delves into the burgeoning literature on waste-to-value applications in agriculture and food science. While there's an increasing focus on upcycling by-product ingredients, the research often lacks an international trade and sustainability systems perspective. The study offers a comprehensive review, defining waste-to-value and its connection to sustainable development goals, particularly when international trade is involved. Using five cases of tropical fruits from South America (green coconut, açaí, maracujá, cambuci, and jabuticaba), the research illustrates the challenges and opportunities in waste-to-value within the tropical fruit trade. It introduces a model of the international supply chain, pinpointing where waste-to-value applications can thrive, and discusses key research questions to address the challenges in global tropical fruit chains. Implementing the waste-to-value approach in the export of underused tropical fruits holds promise for local employment, resource preservation, sustainable energy production, eco-friendly packaging, and enhanced health benefits in end-consumer products. However, overcoming challenges is imperative to realize these environmental and social advantages.

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