Agricultural residues represent an abundant lignocellulosic resource for the production of renewable fuels and value-added products through thermochemical conversion. In this study, the influence of bran and peat as organic and mineral-rich binder components on the pyrolysis behaviour and product distribution of biomass pellets was investigated. Wheat straw, barley straw, and oat husks were pelletized using barley bran or peat as binders and analysed by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). The thermal degradation behaviour, product yields, evolution profiles of non-condensable gases, and composition of condensable products were evaluated during pyrolysis at 700 °C. The results indicated that pelletization modified the thermal degradation pathways and product distribution through interactions between biomass and binder components. Bran-bonded pellets promoted the formation of bio-oil and oxygen-containing condensable compounds, with bio-oil yields reaching up to 45.2%, whereas peat-bonded pellets showed increased formation of non-condensable gases and solid residue. CO₂ and CO were the dominant gaseous products, while CH₄ formation mainly occurred at elevated temperatures in the passive pyrolysis region. The results indicate that binder composition plays an important role in controlling pyrolysis pathways and product distribution, providing opportunities for the optimization of agricultural residue-based pellets for bioenergy and circular bioeconomy applications.

The present research assesses the potential of rapeseed oil soapstock for producing lecithin and its application in the food industry in the context of the circular economy and bioeconomy. The theoretical part summarizes information on the types of lecithin and its production technologies and functional properties, while the empirical part combines semi-structured interviews with 30 experts and company representatives (in Latvia and abroad) and a laboratory experiment with rapeseed soapstock samples. The data provided by the experts were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, while the soapstock samples were tested for dry matter, lipid content, and lecithin and acid oil yield using the techniques of n-hexane Soxhlet extraction and fractionation with cold acetone. The experts’ ratings showed that rapeseed lecithin is technologically competitive with soybean and sunflower lecithin, especially to produce bread, flour confectionery, as well as oil and fat, thereby providing good emulsification capability, texture improvement, and stabilization. The highest potential for the introduction of rapeseed lecithin has been identified in the oil and fat, bread and flour confectionery segments, but wider use is currently hampered by high production costs and lower market visibility. This research demonstrated the practical possibility of isolating lecithin from rapeseed oil soapstock. The laboratory experiment revealed that it is possible to obtain lecithin from rapeseed soapstock in amounts of 1.4–5.2% of the total weight of soapstock (6.2–23.5% of dry matter), which confirmed the usability of rapeseed soapstock as a raw material for lecithin production. The results confirm that the use of rapeseed oil soapstock to produce lecithin can reduce the amount of industrial waste and increase resource efficiency, thus reducing dependence on imported soybean lecithin. Rapeseed lecithin can be found as a sustainable alternative to soybean and sunflower lecithin with potential for oil and fat and bread production.

The maritime sector faces increasing regulatory and economic pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, requiring region-specific evaluation of alternative marine fuels. This study examines the short-term (10–15 years) usefulness of alternative fuels in the Baltic Sea Region through an integrated assessment combining literature review, regional trade analysis using Eurostat and HELCOM data, vessel segmentation, infrastructure readiness analysis, and techno-economic modelling. A GT–LOA conversion formula is derived from ship databases to improve vessel-based fuel demand estimation and support infrastructure compatibility analysis. The results identify e-LPG, e-LNG, green methanol, ammonia, and biofuels as the most viable fuels for the transition period, emphasizing the role of infrastructure availability, regulatory cost mechanisms, and vessel size distribution in shaping adoption pathways. The findings indicate that the Baltic Sea Region is entering a critical transitional phase in which alternative fuels can be deployed through phased implementation strategies combining transitional and zero-carbon options. The study provides decision support for policymakers, port authorities, and industry stakeholders regarding fuel investment planning, infrastructure development, and emerging maritime energy business opportunities.