The sustainable management of lignocellulosic agricultural waste has gained significant attention due to its potential for the production of valuable products. This paper provides an extensive overview of the valorization strategies employed to convert lignocellulosic agricultural waste into economically and environmentally valuable products. The manuscript examines the conversion routes employed for the production of valuable products from lignocellulosic agricultural waste. These include the production of biofuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel, via biochemical and thermochemical processes. Additionally, the synthesis of platform chemicals, such as furfural, levulinic acid, and xylose, is explored, which serve as building blocks for the manufacturing of polymers, resins, and other high-value chemicals. Moreover, this overview highlights the potential of lignocellulosic agricultural waste in generating bio-based materials, including bio-based composites, bio-based plastics, and bio-based adsorbents. The utilization of lignocellulosic waste as feedstock for the production of enzymes, organic acids, and bioactive compounds is also discussed. The challenges and opportunities associated with lignocellulosic agricultural waste valorization are addressed, encompassing technological, economic, and environmental aspects. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the valorization potential of lignocellulosic agricultural waste, highlighting its significance in transitioning towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. The insights presented here aim to inspire further research and development in the field of lignocellulosic waste valorization, fostering innovative approaches and promoting the utilization of this abundant resource for the production of valuable products.

Starch-based films are promising alternatives to synthetic films in food packaging. They were widely studied in terms of mechanical and optical properties. In food packaging, optical properties are of great interest because ultra violet (UV-light) protection is strictly required. Nevertheless, the characterization of film-forming dispersions was poorly addressed, especially regarding its correlation with the film produced. In this work, we characterized film-forming dispersions at different compositions of starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by Turbiscan. This instrument is based on multiple light scattering and gives significant information about the miscibility of polymers in the dispersed phase. Indeed, it identifies the phenomena of destabilization and phase separation before their visibility to the unaided eye. This work aimed to study whether the homogeneous/inhomogeneous morphology of films could be forecast by the analysis of profiles obtained in the dispersed phase. The films produced were investigated by optical microscopy and absorbance analysis. As the CMC fraction increased, Turbiscan showed reduced phase separation. This implies better miscibility of mixture components and higher gelification degree. The related film was more homogeneous and presented higher UV absorbance. Consequently, film-forming dispersions and optical properties of films are strictly correlated and Turbiscan-based analysis is very useful to investigate the dispersion stability and predict the film quality.