Systematic literature review of orange waste management from the environmental life cycle perspective

The citrus industry generates large volumes of biomass, particularly orange peels, which are often underutilized despite their high potential for energy and chemical valorization. This study presents a systematic literature review on orange waste management from an environmental life cycle assessment perspective (E-LCA), emphasizing technologies and practices aligned with bioenergy generation and sustainability goals. Searches in Scopus and Web of Science identified 201 articles, of which 17 met inclusion criteria after screening. The analysis, supported by IRaMuTeQ software, revealed that most studies follow ISO 14040/14044 standards, with dominant applications in energy recovery and extraction of high-value compounds. Energy valorization of orange peels demonstrated potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94% compared to fuel oil, though with trade-offs in aquatic toxicity and eutrophication. Chemical valorization processes, particularly acid hydrolysis, were identified as environmental hotspots, while emerging green extraction methods reduced energy and water consumption. Thermochemical processes offered varied performance, with incineration proving viable on small scales and pyrolysis facing economic and technical constraints. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were critical for robust environmental results. Adoption of renewable energy sources in processing stages significantly reduced impacts but faced high initial costs and infrastructural demands. This review highlights the integration of environmental life cycle assessment with innovative valorization technologies as a pathway to circular bioeconomy in citrus waste management, providing actionable insights for policymakers, industry, and researchers aiming to optimize bioenergy potential while mitigating environmental burdens. • Systematic review of E-LCA on orange biomass waste valorization. • Energy use of peels cuts GHG up to 94%, but raises eutrophication risks. • Acid hydrolysis in pectin production accounts for 30–90% of life cycle impacts, highlighting it as a priority hotspot for cleaner energy and process optimization. • Green extraction and thermochemical use of orange peels offer environmental gains but face technical, economic, and regional constraints. • Renewable energy input slashes impacts, reaching up to 99% reduction.