Options for utilisation of waste from meat industry in compliance with the rules of bioeconomy

Abstract

Playing an important part in domestic economy, meat industry mainly comprises companies involved in slaughter of animals, meat boning and cutting, and production of processed meats. Despite cutting-edge infrastructures and advanced technologies, abattoirs and meat processing plants are still ranked among those enterprises which generate waste and as a result significantly contribute to deterioration of the environment. The greatest problems are connected with abattoir waste, and meat meal as well as meat and bone meal produced from such waste. The prohibition to use this type of fodder in livestock farming has led to additional problems in the rational utilisation of the waste. As a result of changes in energy laws, there is increasing interest in waste biomass from meat processing, which may constitute an important source of energy for power industry. Thermal utilisation of animal meals may be as an important source of energy and serve as an example of practical implementation of the principles of sustainable development and bioeconomy.