Valorisation of pectin extraction by-products through polyphenol recovery from apple pomace
Research initiative focused on valorising pectin extraction by-products, beginning with polyphenol recovery from apple pomace. Apples are a rich source of powerful antioxidants, and the global polyphenol market is expanding 5-15% annually. The program aims to develop economically viable extraction technologies for applications in medical and bulk chemical sectors, progressing from feasibility studies through scale-up, patent protection, and commercial production.
Overview
This research program, led by a professor of Industrial Biotechnology at a leading European chemical engineering school, focuses on valorising by-products from the pectin extraction industry. The initial technical target is the extraction of polyphenols from apple pomace — the solid residue generated during apple processing. Apple pomace is a rich source of powerful antioxidants with significant commercial potential across multiple sectors.
The global polyphenol market is expanding at 5–15% per year, driven by demand in medical, nutraceutical, and bulk chemical applications. This initiative aims to identify not one but several technical solutions for converting pectin extraction by-products into valuable products, beginning with polyphenol recovery.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- The project begins with detailed collaborative discussions to scope technical and economic feasibility
- Two industrial placement interns will conduct technical feasibility studies and literature surveys
- A research engineer will lead scale-up activities and patent application
- Economic viability assessment is a central criterion throughout the project
Key focus areas:
- Polyphenol extraction from apple pomace for antioxidant applications
- Investigation of new uses in the medical field and as bulk chemicals
- Identification of multiple valorisation pathways for pectin extraction by-products
The research lead brings prior industrial experience in by-product valorisation from the brewing industry, with a notable record of industrial success, as well as an established network for this project.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early concept stage (TRL 1–2). The proposed roadmap includes:
- Project creation and establishment of collaboration (Sep–Dec 2026)
- Proof-of-concept work by industrial placement interns (Jan–Aug 2027)
- Recruitment of a research engineer and scale-up (Sep–Dec 2027)
- Scale-up and patent application (Jan 2028–2029)
- Pilot construction and first commercial production (2029–2030)
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