Innovative System for Animal Waste Utilization Using Closed-Loop Material and Energy Cycles and Bioenergy: A Case Study

Zygmunt Kowalski () and Agnieszka Makara
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Zygmunt Kowalski: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wybickiego 7A, 31-261 Kraków, Poland
Agnieszka Makara: Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: This study proposes an innovative model for animal waste utilization in the largest Polish meat utilization plant, which assumes an integrated system that processes one part of the meat waste by anaerobic digestion and the second part into meat and bone meal via the hydrothermal method. The solution is based on implementing the concept of industrial symbiosis, using a purposefully directed flow of materials, waste, and energy to create a closed recycling cycle. This study analyzes the key strategic, organizational, and technical circular economy activities that enable the transformation of waste into valuable materials and energy, thanks to the use of closed-loop materials and energy cycles. It estimates the integrated system’s investment costs and economic and environmental outcomes. The presented method allows for biogas production from the bio-fermentation of 160,000 t/y of animal waste; this would more than cover the heat requirements for obtaining 110,000 t/y of meat and bone meal using the hydrothermal method.

Keywords: animal waste utilization; bio-fermentation; hydrolysis; integrated system; closed recycling cycle (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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