Techno-economic analysis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production using Cobetia amphilecti from celery waste

Rima Gnaim*, Razan Unis, Nabeel Gnayem, Michael Gozin, Jallal Gnaim, Alexander Golberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A process for manufacturing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) using Cobetia amphilecti from celery waste was modeled and analyzed, focusing on the technical and economic aspects. The process produced 1871 tonnes/year of PHB from 4397 tonnes/year of mannitol extracted from 52,350 tonnes/year of celery waste. The economic analysis revealed a capital investment of 19.3 million US$, emphasizing equipment costs as a significant portion of the total expenses. The PHB production process has a positive net present value of 2.3 million US$, a 15.7 % return on investment, a payback period of 6.4 years, and an 8.9 % internal rate of return. Profitability analysis indicated a favorable scenario with a total revenue of 10.3 million US$, an actual minimum selling price of 5.5 US$/kg, and the lowest achievable production cost of 4.6 US$/kg. Sensitivity analysis underscored the influence of celery waste pricing, solid loading, and an extractant price for PHB pricing and economic viability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)98-106
Number of pages9
JournalFood and Bioproducts Processing
Volume150
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2025

Keywords

  • Agro-industrial waste
  • Biopolymer
  • Halophilic bacteria
  • Microbial fermentation
  • Sugar alcohol

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