ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Chemical constituent, pretreatment, and conversion of macadamia nut waste into bio-based materials

Duyen Thi Cam Nguyen

Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

E-mail: ntcduyen@ntt.edu.vn

Received: 16 September 2024  Accepted: 17 September 2025

Abstract:

Macadamia is a key tree nut crop with global production surpassing 300,000 tons, and has created a significant amount of nut waste. Macadamia nut waste is constituted of 70–77% of the nut weight, and with inadequate disposal methods, this waste can pose a great threat to the environment. The chemical composition of macadamia nutshells is rich lignocellulosic materials, essential for bio-based applications such as biofuels, bioplastics, biocomposites, and other industrial uses. By valorizing macadamia nut waste into high-value products, environmental impacts can be mitigated to reduce disposal costs, and enhance the economic value of byproducts. This review also emphasizes the importance of innovative waste management strategies and explores the feasibility of utilizing macadamia nut waste in various applications. Therefore, macadamia nut waste can be an abundant and valuable and precursor for green economy and sustainable development.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords: Macadamia; Biowaste; Biomaterials; Conversion strategies

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04390-0

Chemical Papers 79 (12) 8301–8314 (2025)