Systematic valorisation and circular bioeconomy prospects from potato wastes: a review

Abstract

Potato is among the most widely cultivated and consumed food crops worldwide, with production steadily rising to meet global food demands. Alongside this growth, industrial processing of potato-based products generates substantial amounts of waste streams, including peels, mash, pulp, and process water, that are often discarded without commercial utilization. These residues are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and bioactive compounds, making them attractive substrates for extraction and bioconversion into a wide range of value-added products. Emerging studies demonstrate their potential for producing biofuels, organic acids, enzymes, carotenoids, lipids, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as fertilizers and bioenergy-related products. Valorization of potato residues not only enhances resource efficiency but also supports circular economy principles and reduces environmental burdens. This review synthesizes current advances through a bibliometric and systematic analysis of SCOPUS-indexed publications (2015–2025), complemented by keyword co-occurrence mapping using VOSviewer to capture research hotspots, technological pathways, and sustainability linkages. The findings highlight that potato waste valorization contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly by promoting responsible production and consumption (SDG12), enabling clean and renewable energy generation (SDG7), and mitigating negative environmental impacts (SDGs 6, 11, 13, 14, and 15). Furthermore, integrating potato residue valorization into industrial symbiosis strengthens innovation, infrastructure, and economic growth (SDGs 8 and 9). Overall, potato waste represents a versatile feedstock for biorefinery applications, offering a holistic model that integrates circular economy strategies with sustainable development objectives.