Economic Importance of Valorizing Waste for Bioactive Extraction and Its Industrial Applications

Large quantities of waste, primarily consisting of peels and occasionally seeds (accounting for 90-92%), are generated during the processing of fruits and vegetables. These waste materials are rich in bioactive compounds, which offer significant potential for valorization. The extraction and utilization of these valuable compounds is central to the process of waste peel valorization and finds extensive applications as additives in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. This review focuses on methods used to extract bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable waste peels, with a particular emphasis on non-thermal extraction techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Furthermore, this chapter highlights the importance of leveraging modern, efficient extraction technologies to valorize these abundant, low-cost waste materials, promoting economical alternatives, environmental protection, and the development of a circular economy.