Turning Agricultural Wastes into Biomaterials: Assessing the Sustainability of Scenarios of Circular Valorization of Corn Cob in a Life-Cycle Perspective

Circular economy plays a key role in increasing the sustainability of agricultural sector, given countless possibilities transforming crop residues and recycling precious resources. The maize cultivation process produces significant amount residual organic materials, commonly left on field, as soil conditioner source nutrients even if some parts, such cob, play minor these actions. solutions for valorization this remnant depend economic environmental factors evaluation performances processes life-cycle perspective is important to compare overall alternatives, maximizing their added value. This work reports results Life Cycle Analysis, from cradle-to-gate corn cob valorized raw material two scenarios: pellet abrasive grits use blasting or finishing media. A comparative study has been performed with products available market same functions. show that cob-based have lower impact than those currently used. provides indication evaluating benefits turning wastes natural-based materials intends promote circular agriculture production.