August 6, 2025 Advanced Extraction: From Scraps to Sustainable Systems

Building a more resilient and sustainable global food system starts with innovative technology.

By: Tom Eggleston, JBT Marel FoodTech Sales Director

We Have a Waste Problem

An estimated $600 billion worth of food is lost globally during or immediately after its harvest. Food and beverage manufacturers, central players of the industry’s value chain, are in a unique position to lead efforts to reduce food loss. Beyond cost savings, reducing food loss during processing plays a critical role in combating climate change and fighting global hunger. With food loss and waste accounting for roughly 8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions and as many as 319 million people facing acute levels of food insecurity, addressing these challenges has never been more urgent.

Much of this loss occurs before produce even reaches store shelves. Perfectly safe, edible, and nutritious produce is often discarded before it reaches the fresh market simply because it does not meet cosmetic standards due to misshapen forms, blemished surfaces, or other visual imperfections. This disconnect between appearance and value represents a missed opportunity, not just for reducing food loss and creating more sustainable systems but also for unlocking new products, applications and revenue streams.

JBT Marel, a leading partner in solutions for a sustainable food industry, is ready to meet those challenges. Offering advanced extraction technology designed to recover product from harvested, unfit-for-retail produce, turning what would be waste into profitable products. Reports suggest this practice of developing business from non-retail-grade products could capture $80 billion in new market potential.

The Solutions

For example, worldwide citrus fruits production is valued at over $134 billion in 2025 with a projected 5.97% annual growth rate, signaling segment growth and economic potential. However, as the sector expands, so does the food waste it creates. To capitalize on the citrus market’s full value while reducing product loss, cutting-edge technologies such as JBT Marel’s Modular Oil Recovery Extractor (MORE) 4.0 help make the most of every harvest.

The primary application of the MORE 4.0 is essential oil recovery from citrus fruits, a highly valued byproduct used in fragrances, cleaners, flavorings and more. This customizable machine optimizes the extraction of high-quality essential oils by producing a lighter and cleaner oil emulsion at maximum yield. It can adapt to the characteristics of the fruit – perfect for irregularly sized or shaped produce that might otherwise be discarded. While standard juice extractors do recover some oil during the juicing process, it is not captured efficiently in terms of quantity or purity. The MORE 4.0 system enhances yield and its quality, making the process more profitable while reducing waste.

Pulp and secondary solids, the fibrous materials left over from pulp washing, are other components often discarded in citrus processing. JBT Marel’s Citrus Juice Extractor reduces waste by recovering these ingredients for repurposing in a variety of new products and applications, allowing for more of the fruit to be utilized. These recovered materials can also be used to enhance juice yield or as a functional base for concentrated beverages.

Processing 75% of the world’s juice production in over 35 countries, JBT Marel’s Citrus Systems lead the global market. Collaborating with reputable partners like JBT Marel gives processors a competitive edge through sustainability-focused innovation.

Looking Ahead

Solving for food waste requires innovative solutions and collaboration with partners who value sustainable practices. As dominant forces in the global food and beverage industry, retailers, manufacturers and distributors have a responsibility to lead the charge by adopting processes that use our resources to their full potential.

By using everything from the peels to the pits to the pulps, processors can develop lucrative secondary and tertiary products from skin care to cattle feed. Reducing waste translates into lower costs, higher efficiency and the preservation of precious natural resources. Partnering with the right solutions providers empowers processors to close the loop and drive meaningful environmental and economic benefits.

To explore ways to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact at every stage of the manufacturing process, visit https://www.jbtc.com/foodtech/.

About the Author:
Bringing more than 36 years of experience in citrus and juice processing, Tom leads JBT Marel’s Fruit and Vegetable Sales team in North America. He works closely with processors to scale operations, improve yield, and respond to changing market demands. With a practical, customer-first approach, Tom supports the implementation of fruit, vegetable, and juice technologies—helping partners get the most from every piece of fruit.

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