Correction to: Tenebrio molitor in the circular economy: a novel approach for plastic valorisation and PHA biological recovery

AbstractThe increase in the world population leads to rising demand and consumption of plastic raw materials; only a small percentage of plastics is recovered and recycled, increasing the quantity of waste released into the environment and losing its economic value. The plastics represent a great opportunity in the circular perspective of their reuse and recycling. Research is moving, on the one hand, to implement sustainable systems for plastic waste management and on the other to find new non-fossil-based plastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In this review, we focus our attention on Tenebrio molitor (TM) as a valuable solution for plastic biodegradation and biological recovery of new biopolymers (e.g. PHA) from plastic-producing microorganisms, exploiting its highly diversified gut microbiota. TM’s use for plastic pollution management is controversial. However, TM microbiota is recognised as a source of plastic-degrading microorganisms. TM-based plastic degradation is improved by co-feeding with food loss and waste as a dietary energy source, thus valorising these low-value substrates in a circular economy perspective. TM as a bioreactor is a valid alternative to traditional PHA recovery systems with the advantage of obtaining, in addition to highly pure PHA, protein biomass and rearing waste from which to produce fertilisers, chitin/chitosan, biochar and biodiesel. Finally, we describe the critical aspects of these TM-based approaches, mainly related to TM mass production, eventual food safety problems, possible release of microplastics and lack of dedicated legislation.

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Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): Potential and Challenges to Promote Circular Economy

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11092568 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2568

Author(s):

Roberta Moruzzo ◽

Francesco Riccioli ◽

Salomon Espinosa Diaz ◽

Chiara Secci ◽

Giulio Poli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Circular Economy ◽

Sustainable Development Goals ◽

Production Systems ◽

Tenebrio Molitor ◽

Production Cycle ◽

Potential Contribution ◽

The Sustainable Development ◽

Wide Range ◽

Development Goals ◽

By Products

Over the last few years, the concept of Circular Economy (CE) has received a lot of attention due to its potential contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially by reconciling economic growth with the protection of the environment through its grow-make-use-restore approach. The use of insects in circular production systems has been a good example of this concept as insects can transform a wide range of organic waste and by-products into nutritious feedstuffs, which then go back into the production cycle. This paper explores the potential of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) in circular production systems by reviewing their use and applicability in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, etc. Despite the high versatility of this insect and its potential as a substitute source of nutrients and other valuable components, there are still many legislative and behavioural challenges that hinder its adoption and acceptance.

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Bioactive Modified Non-Wovens as a Novel Approach of Plants Protection against Invasive Slugs

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14237403 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (23) ◽

pp. 7403

Author(s):

Marcin Rosowski ◽

Dorota Puchowicz ◽

Monika Jaskulska ◽

Jan Kozłowski ◽

Małgorzata Cieślak

Keyword(s):

Active Substance ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Agricultural Production ◽

Plant Protection ◽

Woven Fabric ◽

Pest Population ◽

Protection Strategy ◽

Chemical Treatments ◽

Flower Extract ◽

Novel Approach

Invasive slugs generate significant problems in the area of horticultural and agricultural production. Despite the multitude of methods to reduce the pest population, including preventive, mechanical, agrotechnical, cultivation, biological, and chemical treatments, no effective plant protection strategy has been developed so far. In this paper, a solution based on modified non-woven fabric with bioactive molluscicidal properties using the extract of tansy flower, metaldehyde, and abamectin (Vertigo® 018 EC) was proposed. All modified mats show significant anti-slug properties in comparison to control, and molluscicidal properties depend on the type of active substance. Non-woven modified with commonly used metaldehyde demonstrated fast action against slugs and presents the highest efficiency. The effectiveness of non-woven mats with Vertigo® 018 EC is lower than for the mats with metaldehyde but higher than for the mats modified with tansy flower extract. The proposed solution will enable removing and neutralization of molluscicide from the fields, after the efficient pest control, according to circular economy principles. Moreover, it may allow for better control of the molluscicide release to the environment in comparison to widely used pellets, and contribute to the virtual protection of plants against invasive slugs.

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Designing waste management systems to meet circular economy goals: The Italian case

10.31235/osf.io/qjcuv ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Giacomo Di Foggia ◽

Massimo Beccarello

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Solid Waste Management ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Waste To Energy ◽

Municipal Solid Waste Management ◽

Italian Case ◽

Novel Approach ◽

The Cost ◽

The Impact

Waste management capacity plays a prominent role in complying with circular economy goals, such as reducing municipal waste disposal by landfilling to 10%. We first analyze the imbalance in municipal solid waste management across Italy by estimating the quantities of waste to be treated using technologies different from those currently in use. Subsequently, we estimate the impact that a system compliant with circular economy goals would have on the cost of waste management. Our empirical analyses are based on an econometric method. The results suggest that Italy could reduce the use of landfill by 11.5%, resulting in a 13% reduction in mechanical-biological treatment. The waste-to-energy capacity would rise by 4.6% compared to the current situation, while the organic fraction treatment capacity would increase by 8.3%. Besides the positive impact on the environment, the potential annual savings on the cost of waste management could reach 0.07%, or 0.27% when the phase corresponding to treatment and disposal is considered. We provide insights into the design of more efficient national waste management plans using a novel approach based on best performers.

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Analysis of Barriers to Transitioning from a Linear to a Circular Economy for End of Life Materials: A Case Study for Waste Feathers

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12051725 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 1725 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Elena Dieckmann ◽

Leila Sheldrick ◽

Mike Tennant ◽

Rupert Myers ◽

Christopher Cheeseman

Keyword(s):

End Of Life ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Public Perception ◽

Organizational Context ◽

Assessment Method ◽

Basic Material ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Uk

This research aimed to develop a simple but robust method to identify the key barriers to the transition from a linear to a circular economy (CE) for end of life products or material. Nine top-tier barrier categories have been identified that influence this transition. These relate to the basic material properties and product characteristics, the availability of suitable processing technology, the environmental impacts associated with current linear management, the organizational context, industry and supply chain issues, external drivers, public perception, the regulatory framework and the overall economic viability of the transition. The method provides a novel and rapid way to identify and quantitatively assess the barriers to the development of CE products. This allows mitigation steps to be developed in parallel with new product design. The method has been used to assess the potential barriers to developing a circular economy for waste feathers generated by the UK poultry industry. This showed that transitioning UK waste feathers to circularity faces significant barriers across numerous categories and is not currently economically viable. The assessment method developed provides a novel approach to identifying barriers to circularity and has potential to be applied to a wide range of end of life materials and products.

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Valorisation of agri-food waste and mealworms rearing residues for improving the sustainability of Tenebrio molitor industrial production

Journal of Insects as Food and Feed ◽

10.3920/jiff2021.0101 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

P. Sangiorgio ◽

A. Verardi ◽

S. Dimatteo ◽

A. Spagnoletta ◽

S. Moliterni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Production Process ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Tenebrio Molitor ◽

Value Chains ◽

Novel Foods ◽

Commercial Feed ◽

Chitin And Chitosan ◽

Research World ◽

Critical Aspects

The challenge of feeding over 9 billion humans by 2050 requires a ‘rethink’ of the current linear food production system. In the view of a circular economy, insects can provide a possible solution to valorise waste to produce new foods and materials, as well as the opportunity to solve some environmental problems. Tenebrio molitor (TM) is the first insect approved by the European Commission as a novel food and widely explored by the research world. Although mass production of TM is still not competitive compared to traditional protein sources, studies and companies in the sector are improving the entire production process to meet the growing need for alternative and sustainable protein foods. The use of food loss and waste to replace commercial feed in TM rearing can improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the production process. Furthermore, the exploitation of the variety of TM-based products can lead to the creation of new value chains and employment opportunities. In this review, we focus on the ability of TM to convert low-value substrates into novel foods and materials, as well as the possibility of using the TM rearing waste to obtain fertilisers and bioproducts, such as chitin and chitosan. TM capacity to degrade plastic waste such as polyethylene and polystyrene, thanks to its highly differentiated gut microbiota, is mentioned. Critical aspects related to sustainability and scaling-up of TM rearing are analysed. Hints on food safety of TM-based products are provided. Therefore, this study is a comprehensive review of TM multifunctionality and, at the same time, identifies possible ways to improve the economic and environmental impact of this insect with a circular economy perspective.

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A new biological recovery approach for PHA using mealworm, Tenebrio molitor

Journal of Biotechnology ◽

10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.10.012 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 239 ◽

pp. 98-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Paramasivam Murugan ◽

Lizhu Han ◽

Chee-Yuen Gan ◽

Frans H.J. Maurer ◽

Kumar Sudesh

Keyword(s):

Tenebrio Molitor ◽

Biological Recovery ◽

Recovery Approach

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Enhancing the Cultural Heritage through Adaptive Reuse. A Multicriteria Approach to Evaluate the Castello Visconteo in Cusago (Italy)

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13084440 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 4440

Author(s):

Marta Dell’Ovo ◽

Federico Dell’Anna ◽

Raffaella Simonelli ◽

Leopoldo Sdino

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Built Environment ◽

Cultural Heritage ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Adaptive Reuse ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

The Sustainable Development ◽

Lombardy Region ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Alternative Scenarios

Cultural heritage can play a strategic role in developing a sustainable built environment, contributing to the improvement of the economic, social, and environmental productivity of a city. Human activities are constantly affecting the quality of the environment and altering the ecosystems, which produce negative consequences also on human wellbeing. Within this context, it has been much discussed how cities and the built environment can counteract this process by supporting more sustainable development. Adaptive reuse is defined as “a process that changes a disused or ineffective item into a new item that can be used for a different purpose”, which strongly triggers the sustainable development of cities. It can be recognized as a promoter of economic growth, social wellbeing, and environmental preservation, given its capability of both preserving past values and creating new ones. The adaptive reuse matches the main points of the circular economy, seen as the sustainable economy, which is aimed at the reduction of natural resource extraction and environmental impact by extending the useful life of materials and promoting recovery, reuse, and regeneration processes. Given these premises, the current contribution aimed to evaluate alternative scenarios for reuse in Castello Visconteo in Cusago, located in the Lombardy region (Italy), and understanding how adaptive reuse could contribute to generating new values within a circular economy perspective. In detail, four alternative scenarios were proposed to face the new needs born during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Since both intangible and tangible values must be considered, a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been applied by combining economic and qualitative indicators to define the most suitable function for its adaptive reuse. In detail, the Novel Approach to Imprecise Assessment and Decision Environments (NAIADE) was used to identify the best alternative solution based on the opinions of conflicting stakeholders. The innovativeness of the contribution is given by the combination of different methodologies, the preservation of the memory and the generation of new values, and the consideration of adaptive reuse as a strategy for the achievement of sustainable development within a circular economy perspective.

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Worming the Circular Economy for Biowaste and Plastics: Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio Molitor and Zophobas morio

10.20944/preprints202111.0518.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zhi-Jue Kuan ◽

Barnabas Kuan-Nang Chan ◽

Samuel Ken-En Gan

Keyword(s):

Circular Economy ◽

Organic Waste ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Tenebrio Molitor ◽

Urgent Problem ◽

Hermetia Illucens ◽

Waste Products ◽

Medical Supplies ◽

Single Use ◽

Natural Solution

The negative impact of the modern-day lifestyle on the environment is aggravated during the COVID-19 pandemic through the increased use of single-use plastics from food takeaways to medical supplies. Similarly, the closure of food outlets and disrupted supply chains have also resulted in significant food wastage. As the pandemic rages on, the aggravation of increased waste becomes an increasingly urgent problem that threatens the biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health worldwide through pollution. While there are existing methods to deal with the organic and plastic waste, many of the solutions also cause additional problems. Increasingly proposed as a natural solution to man-made unnatural problems, there are insect solutions for dealing with the artificial and organic waste products towards a circular economy, making the use of natural insect solutions commercially sustainable. This review discusses the findings and how some of these insects, particularly the Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, and Zophobas morio, can play an increasing important role in food and plastics, with a focus on the latter.

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Validating Circular Performance Indicators: The Interface between Circular Economy and Stakeholders

Water ◽

10.3390/w13162198 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (16) ◽

pp. 2198

Author(s):

Chrysanthi-Elisabeth Nika ◽

Alfonso Expósito ◽

Johannes Kisser ◽

Gaetano Bertino ◽

Hasan Volkan Oral ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Circular Economy ◽

Structural Model ◽

Research Policy ◽

Matrix Multiplication ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Business Community ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Interpretive Structural Model

The development and application of appropriate Circular Economy indicators is an issue that concerns both the scientific and the business community, as well as decision makers. The existing gap between research, policy and practice could be bridged by using a dynamic indicators selection approach that combines both expert and participatory practices. This study aims to develop such a novel approach for the selection of indicators based on views and needs of practitioners, whilst considering the complex interdependencies of the indicators and determining their importance. Twenty circularity indicators for the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus are selected and ranked by different stakeholders. The interrelationships of the indicators are identified using the Interpretive Structural Model, resulting in six levels of importance. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis further enabled the classification of the twenty indicators into four categories based on their driving and dependence power. The results indicate that seven indicators—one related to regeneration of natural environment principle, four related to keep resources in use, and two related to design out negative externalities—are the driving indicators to Circular Economy. The approach can be applied to other sets of indicators as well, enabling their prioritization and implementation with other systems.

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