Value Chain Analysis of Rice Industry by Products in a Circular Economy Context: A Review

W. A. M. A. N. Illankoon (), Chiara Milanese, Maria Cristina Collivignarelli and Sabrina Sorlini
Additional contact information
W. A. M. A. N. Illankoon: Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering, and Mathematics (DICATAM), University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Chiara Milanese: Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia & Center for Colloid and Surface Science, Viale Taramelli 16, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Maria Cristina Collivignarelli: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Sabrina Sorlini: Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering, and Mathematics (DICATAM), University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy

Waste, 2023, vol. 1, issue 2, 1-37

Abstract: The quantity of organic waste generated by agricultural sectors is continually increasing due to population growth and rising food demand. Rice is the primary consumable food in Asia. However, many stakeholders follow a linear economic model such as the “take–make–waste” concept. This linear model leads to a substantial environmental burden and the destruction of valuable resources without gaining their actual value. Because these by-products can be converted into energy generating and storage materials, and into bio-based products by cascading transformation processes within the circular economy concept, waste should be considered a central material. This review examines the composition of rice straw, bran, and husks, and the procedures involved in manufacturing value-added goods, from these wastes. Moreover, starting with an extensive literature analysis on the rice value chains, this work systematizes and displays a variety of strategies for using these by-products. The future development of agricultural waste management is desirable to capitalize on the multi-functional product by circulating all the by-products in the economy. According to the analysis of relevant research, rice straw has considerable potential as a renewable energy source. However, there is a significant research gap in using rice bran as an energy storage material. Additionally, modified rice husk has increased its promise as an adsorbent in the bio-based water treatment industry. Furthermore, the case study of Sri Lanka revealed that developing countries have a huge potential to value these by-products in various sectors of the economy. Finally, this paper provides suggestions for researchers and policymakers to improve the current agriculture waste management system with the best option and integrated approach for economic sustainability and eco- and environmental solution, considering some case studies to develop sustainable waste management processes.

Keywords: rice straw; rice bran; rice husk; agricultural waste; valorization; circular economy; biomass; bioeconomy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q16 Q18 Q2 Q20 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q28 Q3 Q31 Q38 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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