Exploiting the potential of hazelnut by-products in a confectionary food company

Abstract

In order to apply practically Circular Economy Model, Ferrero, worldwide Confectionery Food Company, evaluates the possibility to demonstrate cost-effective and sustainable exploitation of the hazelnut biomass that allows increasing value through the extraction from waste streams and valorisation of bioactive ingredients to be used in consumer products for dietary supplements, food, animal feeding, cosmetics and packaging. Ferrero hazelnut project undertakes a holistic and circular approach of hazelnut value chain, from “farm-to-farm” including crop production, hazelnut processing, extraction of bio-active compounds ((poly)phenols and fibre); valorisation of the bioactive compounds and closing the loop with farm sector that may use biochar application as fertiliser. Ferrero ambition is to bring together different sectors stakeholders to demonstrate, assess and optimise the sustainability performance of compounds from the new hazelnut value chain. This project generates multiple cross-sector new interconnections thought the participation of partners that are not traditionally directly involved. Ferrero is evaluating the opportunity to develop a range of products using the bioactive compounds. Compounds and products will be evaluated and documented to meet all regulatory requirements and to correspond to regulatory and market standards. Dietary supplements, fibre enriched food products, animal feed or additive with bioactive properties (example: antioxidant, potentially active antimicrobial...) improving animal health and performances, pet food rich in (poly)phenols, skin care cosmetic products with (poly)phenols and make-up cosmetic products with fibre and biochar for industrial and agricultural uses are some potential development products evaluated. This thesis will focus mainly on the hazelnut skin stream and its health benefits. Such knowledge could be used to improve health in general, reducing the negative impact of the bio-waste through a circular economy approach and thereby contributing to sustainable development for the Company and for future generations.