# Agri-Food Biowaste Bioactives for Biopesticides: A Circular Economy Solution with Industry 4.0?

## TL;DR

This paper explores using waste from agri-food industries to create eco-friendly biopesticides as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides.

## Contribution

The study systematically reviews agri-food by-products as sources of bioactive compounds for biopesticides within a circular economy framework.

## Key findings

- Agri-food residues like olive, potato, and citrus by-products contain bioactive compounds with pesticidal properties.
- Industry 4.0 technologies can optimize the recovery and formulation of biopesticides from these residues.
- Regulatory challenges exist, but opportunities for market adoption are present in Europe and the U.S.

## Abstract

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has ensured crop productivity but has also raised serious environmental and human health concerns, including water contamination, biodiversity loss, and intoxication risks. In this context, global strategies for sustainable agriculture, safer alternatives are urgently needed. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, examines the potential of agri-food by-products as sources of bioactive compounds for biopesticide development within a circular economy framework. Residues from major agri-food chains, including the olive, potato, banana, citrus, and winery industries, were systematically analyzed with respect to their phytochemical composition, such as phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and essential oils, and their reported bioactivity against insects, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. The mechanisms of action, technological recovery strategies, and formulation challenges are critically discussed. Additionally, regulatory challenges and opportunities in the European and U.S. markets are described together with the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in optimizing recovery processes and product development. By promoting biopesticides from agri-food biowaste, this approach contributes to sustainable production (SDG 12), innovation in industrial processes (SDG 9), and the protection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (SDGs 14 and 15), positioning food industry residues as a strategic resource for green crop protection.