Circular Economy in Agriculture: The Case for Bioactive Compounds from Sea Buckthorn By-products

Abstract

The implementation of closed-loop manufacturing models in berry farming represents a transformative approach to sustainable agriculture, enhancing both environmental sustainability and economic resilience. By integrating waste materials back into the production cycle, these models minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. In the context of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), a crop with significant nutritional and medicinal properties, utilizing by-products such as fruit residues pomace, leaves and twigs offers a practical solution to waste management challenges while creating high-value products for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Food Institute of Kaunas University of Technology has implemented the project “Circular manufacturing model for producing biologically active materials”, validating the soundness of closed-loop manufacturing systems for berries by demonstrating sustainable practices for the extraction and utilization of bioactive compounds from sea buckthorn by-products. The project results emphasize the feasibility of integrating eco-friendly extraction methods while addressing environmental and economic challenges.