Valorization of Biomass from Dairy Wastes: Integrated Resources and Energy Recovery

The focus of this paper is to critically analyse and draw quantitative balance indicators of several projects concerning process optimization, resources, and energy recovery from dairies wastes. Analysed quantitative data were collected by auditing activities and design studies in Eastern Europe and Asia, aimed at supporting the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) for better performances and reduction of global environmental impact of their customer Companies. Suggestions for the recovery of waste in the given sector are outlined discussing results from actual case-studies for recycling dairy waste and obtaining valuable products, seeking to contribute to increase income, as well as to minimize waste generation and GHGs emissions. Results evidencing the benefits of biomass valorisation to produce energy by-products can provide practical indications for dairy plant companies that are considering the issues of economic and environmental sustainability.