Featured Application: The multi-criteria evaluation tool developed in this study provides researchers, food manufacturers, and innovation stakeholders with a practical method for rapidly assessing the sustainability potential of circular economy valorisation processes. It enables early identification of environmental, economic, and social hotspots using minimal data requirements, supporting strategic decision-making before investing in detailed life cycle assessment or pilot-scale experimentation. The tool can be applied to compare alternative by-product valorisation routes, prioritise research and development (R&D) options, and guide the design of resource-efficient, scalable, and regulation-compliant solutions within the agri-food sector. Its structured approach is especially valuable for projects seeking to transform residues into high-value products, such as functional ingredients, supplements, or extended-shelf-life foods, within the broader framework of sustainable and circular food systems. Circular economy (CE) strategies in the agri-food sector hold strong potential for reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable value creation. However, early-stage assessment of innovative valorisation pathways remains challenging due to limited data availability and heterogeneous sustainability trade-offs. This study presents a multi-criteria evaluation tool designed to identify sustainability hotspots and support the preliminary screening of CE solutions based on easily obtainable information. The tool combines a structured literature review with expert-based scoring across environmental (ENV), economic (EC), and social (SOC) dimensions. Its applicability was demonstrated through the following three case studies: (i) reconstitution of cheese approaching expiration, (ii) extraction of polyphenols from grape-wine residues via subcritical water extraction, and (iii) biodegradable mulching film production from grape-wine pomace. Results show that the tool successfully differentiates sustainability performance across value chain areas Residue, Final Product, and Process (RES, FP, and PRO) and reveals critical gaps requiring further investigation. Scenario 3 achieved the higher overall score (69.7%) due to fewer regulatory constraints, whereas Scenarios 1 and 2 (61.2% and 54.5%, respectively) are penalised due to the more regulations for human consumption. The proposed tool offers a practical and efficient method to support researchers and industry stakeholders in identifying CE strategies with the highest potential for sustainable development.
Voccia, D., Kum, S. W., Suciu, N., Monaco, E., Trevisan, M., Lamastra, L., A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Tool for Assessing Circularity in Innovative Bio-Based Solutions from Food Industry By-Products, <<APPLIED SCIENCES>>, 2026; 16 (3): 1-25. [doi:10.3390/app16031299] [https://hdl.handle.net/10807/350357]
A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Tool for Assessing Circularity in Innovative Bio-Based Solutions from Food Industry By-Products
Voccia, Diego;Suciu, Nicoleta;Trevisan, Marco;Lamastra, Lucrezia
2026
Abstract
Featured Application: The multi-criteria evaluation tool developed in this study provides researchers, food manufacturers, and innovation stakeholders with a practical method for rapidly assessing the sustainability potential of circular economy valorisation processes. It enables early identification of environmental, economic, and social hotspots using minimal data requirements, supporting strategic decision-making before investing in detailed life cycle assessment or pilot-scale experimentation. The tool can be applied to compare alternative by-product valorisation routes, prioritise research and development (R&D) options, and guide the design of resource-efficient, scalable, and regulation-compliant solutions within the agri-food sector. Its structured approach is especially valuable for projects seeking to transform residues into high-value products, such as functional ingredients, supplements, or extended-shelf-life foods, within the broader framework of sustainable and circular food systems. Circular economy (CE) strategies in the agri-food sector hold strong potential for reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable value creation. However, early-stage assessment of innovative valorisation pathways remains challenging due to limited data availability and heterogeneous sustainability trade-offs. This study presents a multi-criteria evaluation tool designed to identify sustainability hotspots and support the preliminary screening of CE solutions based on easily obtainable information. The tool combines a structured literature review with expert-based scoring across environmental (ENV), economic (EC), and social (SOC) dimensions. Its applicability was demonstrated through the following three case studies: (i) reconstitution of cheese approaching expiration, (ii) extraction of polyphenols from grape-wine residues via subcritical water extraction, and (iii) biodegradable mulching film production from grape-wine pomace. Results show that the tool successfully differentiates sustainability performance across value chain areas Residue, Final Product, and Process (RES, FP, and PRO) and reveals critical gaps requiring further investigation. Scenario 3 achieved the higher overall score (69.7%) due to fewer regulatory constraints, whereas Scenarios 1 and 2 (61.2% and 54.5%, respectively) are penalised due to the more regulations for human consumption. The proposed tool offers a practical and efficient method to support researchers and industry stakeholders in identifying CE strategies with the highest potential for sustainable development.
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