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

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.

Digitalization of rice value chain in Nigeria with circular economy inclusion for improved productivity – A review

“…The concept of CE is a non-linear model waste management system (waste-to-wealth) that has the potential to address the identified challenges of the aforementioned linear model if properly implemented. According to Illankoon et al [ 76 ], CE addresses optimization of the use of available resources. It is also a means of achieving equilibrium among the economy, the environment and the society through supporting of closed manufacturing processes.…”

“…Rice currently generates a high quantity of unavoidable wastes ( Fig. 6 ) that are primarily from rice straw, rice husk, and rice bran [ 14 , 76 ]. Rice bran and rice husk account for about 0.05–0.1 kg and 0.28 kg of waste, respectively, per 1 kg of harvested rice [ 78 ].…”

“…Illakoon et al . [ 76 ] reported that there was an increase in global rice production and harvested areas from 2000 to 2018 ( Fig. 7 ).…”

“…Considering the huge volume of waste and by-products generated along the rice value chain, the sub-sector has a high potential for generating different value-added products. However, there is a need to properly look into issues relating to the supply of waste and by-products, appropriate technologies for treating them, and cost-effective methods of converting them to other value-added products [ 76 ].

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Preparation and Modification of Biochar Derived from Agricultural Waste for Metal Adsorption from Urban Wastewater

“…Biochar is a carbon material produced by the thermal decomposition of biomass in an oxygen-free atmosphere [27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. It is a highly aromatic compound, made up of layers of graphene and graphite structures and edge carbon atoms containing functional groups, such as carboxylic, hydroxyl, and carbonyl units [33][34][35].…”