From Crustacean Waste to Value: Market Prospects of Exploring Blue Biorefineries

In the realm of blue biorefinery, which utilises marine-derived resources such as shellfish among others, the substantial waste generated during crustacean biomass processing presents a valuable opportunity. This waste provides access to valuable polymers, chitin, and its derivative, chitosan. This chapter explores the distinct properties of these polymers, influenced by structural differences (degree and pattern of acetylation, and molecular weight). It also covers methods for isolating chitin, ranging from traditional pulping techniques to innovative approaches like ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs), each with its own environmental and efficiency trade-offs. Additionally, the chapter provides a market analysis, examining growth trends, drivers, and challenges in the chitin and chitosan sectors. It highlights the need for future developments, such as advancements in extraction technologies, improvements in regulatory frameworks, standardisation of analytical methods, and increased investment in chitin research. This comprehensive overview aims to equip readers from academia, industry, and policy with the knowledge to navigate and capitalise on the evolving landscape of chitin and chitosan.