Recovery of plant by-products by enzymatic hydrolysis

In a context where sustainability and the circular economy have become priorities, the valorization of plant by-products is becoming a strategic issue for agri-food companies. Enzymatic hydrolysis is emerging as a cutting-edge technology capable of transforming these residues into valuable resources. At Upcyclink, we’re convinced that this innovative approach is crucial to the transition to a greener, more sustainable model. Find out how this method fits in with our approach to recycling.

 

What is enzymatic hydrolysis ?

Enzymatic hydrolysis is a biochemical process that uses specific enzymes to break down complex molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates or lipids into simpler, more valuable elements. Unlike other transformation processes, enzymatic hydrolysis preserves the nutritional and functional properties of the extracted molecules, while reducing their impact on the environment.

 

This process is particularly effective for recovering plant by-products such as :

 

• Proteins: reused in human and animal nutrition.

 

• Dietary fibers: highly sought-after for their prebiotic and functional properties.

 

• Antioxidants: Appreciated in the cosmetics and food industries for their health benefits.

 

How does enzymatic hydrolysis work for co-product recovery ?

Enzymatic hydrolysis uses specific enzymes to break down the complex structures present in plant residues such as fruit skins, peels or seeds. For example, apple peels can be transformed into dietary fiber or polyphenols with antioxidant properties, which can be used in the cosmetics and food industries.

 

This approach is much more environmentally friendly than conventional methods, as it requires less energy and generates fewer unwanted by-products.

 

Practical applications in the food industry

 

Enzymatic hydrolysis is an effective way of adding value to large volumes of plant by-products generated by food processing companies. Here are just a few examples of practical applications:

 

• Potato peelings can be transformed into dietary fiber, widely used in bakery products or as a dietary supplement. Companies like Ingredion are exploiting this technology to add value to production residues.

 

• Wheat bran, often under-exploited, can be hydrolyzed to produce prebiotic fibers, which improve digestive health, or high-quality plant proteins. Players such as the Bühler Group and Tereos are developing this technology to create new functional ingredients.

 

• Cocoa shells are also recovered by enzymatic hydrolysis to release dietary fiber and polyphenols, used in the cosmetics and food industries. Barry Callebaut is one of the companies exploring this technology to optimize the use of its co-products.

 

Environmental and economic benefits

 

Enzymatic hydrolysis offers significant environmental and economic benefits :

 

• Waste reduction: By transforming residues into valuable resources, this technology reduces waste volumes, which translates into lower waste management costs.

 

• Reduced ecological footprint: The process requires less energy than traditional methods and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. In situ recovery also reduces transport requirements.

 

• New sources of revenue: products obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis – proteins, fibers or antioxidants – are highly prized in the food, cosmetics and dietary supplements sectors, offering new economic prospects for companies.

 

The Upcyclink approach: On-site recovery of by-products with the SOBRE® mobile unit

 

At Upcyclink, we have developed the SOBRE® mobile unit to enable companies to valorize their by-products directly on site. This innovative solution enables residues to be processed at source, maximizing their potential without excessive logistical costs.

 

 

Advantages of integrating enzymatic hydrolysis into the SOBRE® unit :

 

• Reduced transport and storage costs: The mobile unit enables co-products to be processed close to the deposits.

 

• Flexibility and adaptability: SOBRE® adapts to the specific needs of companies, whatever the type of residue.

 

• Optimized valorization: The technology enables high-quality products to be extracted from fresh raw materials.

 

Examples of concrete applications

 

• A market-garden cooperative has recently set up an enzymatic hydrolysis process to transform its plant residues into high-quality plant proteins, responding to the growing demand for alternatives to animal proteins.

 

• An apple grower uses enzymatic hydrolysis to extract pectins and antioxidants from his peelings, which he then sells to manufacturers of natural cosmetics.

 

• A cereal processor now converts his wheat bran into soluble dietary fiber, widely used in the nutraceutical industry.

 

Conclusion: Enzymatic hydrolysis at the heart of the circular economy

 

Enzymatic hydrolysis represents a major step forward for companies seeking to adopt a circular economy approach. By transforming plant residues into valuable resources, it reduces environmental impact while creating new economic opportunities. At Upcyclink, we are convinced that enzymatic hydrolysis, combined with our SOBRE® solution, is an essential lever for the sustainable recovery of by-products.

 

Want to find out more? Contact us to find out how Upcyclink can transform your agro-residues into valuable resources.