Properties and applications of green-derived products from spent coffee grounds – Steps towards sustainability

Biorefinery by green chemistry involves the use of renewable resources while minimizing or eliminating the application and generation of deleterious chemicals. Recent demands of consumers and regulatory bodies for eco-friendly approach to product development have led to the search for green and cost-effective ways of production. The steady rise in coffee consumption and corresponding generation of tons of spent coffee grounds (SCG), makes it a promising renewable resource for utilization in biorefinery. The presence of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, and lipids in SCG makes it suitable in manufacturing products alternative to petroleum-based products like biofuels and biopolymers. Thus, efficient valorization of SCG can support various industries in meeting the demands of a growing population and aid the achievement of sustainable development goals. This review highlights the production of essential products from SCG using green methods of extraction, their properties, applications in various industries and future perspectives in the context of biorefinery.