Potential for Value-Added Utilization of Bamboo Shoot Processing Waste-Recommendations for a Biorefinery Approach

Bamboo shoot processing produces substantial quantities of wastes in China and other parts of the world, with estimates of up to 70% of the harvested bamboo shoots being discarded as waste biomass. The solid waste residues that are generated as processing by-products consist of the outer sheath and basal section of the bamboo shoot, and wastewater is also produced, all of which pose a significant environmental burden. In comparison to the edible bamboo shoot tips, data on the composition of bamboo shoot processing residue (BSPR) are comparatively scarce. The tender shoots are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds that are associated with health benefits against many chronic and degenerative diseases, and there is potential for these compounds to also be present in BSPR. Therefore, this paper reviews the current literature available on BSPR composition from both English and Chinese journals, for comparison with the tender bamboo shoot. From this information, the potential of using BSPR as a cheap source of valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds for value-added products (e.g., food additives, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals) is discussed. To maximize the value from BSPR and reduce its environmental impact as a waste, a systematic biorefinery approach for waste valorization is recommended.