Food Waste Digestate-Based Biorefinery Approach for Rhamnolipids Production: A Techno-Economic Analysis

The present work evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of a rhamnolipids production process that utilizes digestate from anaerobic digestion (AD) food waste. Technical feasibility, profitability and extent investment risks between fermenter scale its operating strategy for was investigated in study. Three scenarios were generated compared: using single large (Scenario I), two small fermenters operated alternately II) or simultaneously III). It found all economically feasible, Scenario III most profitable since it allowed optimum operation with utilization multiple small-scale equipment to reduce downtime each increase capacity overall productivity. had highest net value, internal rate return shortest payback time at discount 7%. Finally, sensitivity analysis conducted indicate how variation factors such as feedstock (digestate) cost, selling price, extractant recyclability influenced economics. provides important insights on performance waste valorization which would be useful guide sustainable scale-up.