Climate change and environmental sustainability are among the most prominent issues of today. It is increasingly fundamental and urgent to develop a sustainable economy, capable of change the linear paradigm, actively promoting the efficient use of resources, highlighting product, component and material reuse. Among the many approaches to circular economy and zero-waste concepts, biochar is a great example and might be a way to push the economy to neutralize carbon balance. Biochar is a solid material produced during thermochemical decomposition of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment. Several authors have used life cycle assessment (LCA) method to evaluate the environmental impact of biochar production. Based on these studies, this work intends to critically analyze the LCA of biochar production from different sources using different technologies. Although these studies reveal differences in the contexts and characteristics of production, preventing direct comparison of results, a clear trend appears. It was proven, through combining life cycle assessment and circular economy modelling, that the application of biochar is a very promising way of contributing to carbon-efficient resource circulation, mitigation of climate change, and economic sustainability.

In response to the exponential growth in world population, there has been a striking surge in the volume of discarded fish worldwide. This surge is particularly evident in the fish processing industry, where a substantial amount of waste is generated, posing significant environmental concerns. Consequently, the repurposing and utilisation of these waste materials have emerged as pivotal processes for the preservation of marine resources. By employing innovative strategies, valuable products can be extracted from these fish by-products, offering not only economic advantages but also contributing to mitigating environmental impacts. This comprehensive literature review focuses on exploring diverse avenues for using fish waste and extracting high-value materials such as bioactive peptides, collagen, and enzymes, elucidating their potential applications across various industries. The literature review also demonstrates the possibility of extracting various bio-compounds from highly diverse fish waste. It has been observed that there is a need for optimisation of extraction protocols, as the variation in extraction methods and respective conditions significantly affects the extraction yields of the products. Moreover, considering our specific interest in the fish species endemic to The Azores, a meticulous characterisation will be conducted, as there is limited knowledge about waste utilisation processes specific to this archipelago.

Waste management is a major challenge for contemporary societies, requiring urgent attention since population growth combined with widespread consumerism and industrialization has led to an alarming increase in waste production. To avoid harmful environmental impacts and the misuse of resources, it is urgent to combat this scourge. A potential solution involves the creation of industrial symbioses, characterized by the practical application of circular economy principles. The use of collaborative platforms is a possible way to promote industrial symbiosis. Addressing these pressing concerns and responding to these challenges, the Upcycle4Biz project envisions establishing a digital platform called Upvalue, conceived as a marketplace where companies can exchange waste and by-products. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and benefits associated with the development of this innovative platform, as well as a presentation of the platform itself.

The wine sector generates high quantities of residues that are still poorly exploited as feedstock. Normally, these wastes are directly discarded into the fields or burned, thus causing environmental problems. Wine production wastes, like vine pruning and grape pomace, are available at relatively low prices and are considered prime materials for biochemical conversion into added-value products. In this context, the reutilization of these wastes is very important not only for minimizing environmental impact but also for obtaining higher profitability. The main objective of the present chapter is to address what are the possible reutilizations and valorizations of these wastes.

In today’s global landscape, a key challenge is balancing rapid population growth with sustainable agro-waste management. As demand for food and agricultural products rises, so does the volume of waste across the supply chain. It is vital to understand how demographic expansion affects waste generation, quantify this waste, and identify its geographic distribution within the European Union (EU). This study provides a statistical analysis of waste from agriculture, forestry, and fishing in the EU and assesses agricultural land use linked to crop production. By mapping this data across member states, it establishes a foundation for future research on the links between agricultural activity, land use, and waste. This will inform strategies for waste prevention, recovery, and valorization at both national and European levels. The study’s relevance lies in its ability to guide policymakers, researchers, and industry. Identifying countries with the highest waste output enables targeted interventions to foster circular economy practices, reduce environmental harm, and improve resource efficiency. These insights also support the adoption of sustainable farming technologies amid climate change and resource depletion. According to EUROSTAT, in 2020, EU agriculture, forestry, and fishing generated over 21 million tons of waste. Spain accounted for 30%, while five countries—Spain, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, and Germany—produced more than two-thirds. Similarly, two-thirds of agricultural land were in France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Italy. This data-driven approach lays the groundwork for better agro-industrial waste management, aligning agricultural progress with sustainability and resilience, and contributing to future generations’ well-being.