Trends and Opportunities in Crustacean Shell Waste Valorization: Towards Sustainable Application in Packaging Materials and Wastewater Treatment

Every year, crustacean shell waste amounts to nearly 8 million tons worldwide, representing both an environmental challenge and a valuable resource. Crustacean shells can be repurposed as raw material for products in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and biomedicine. They are a valuable resource for creating functional materials due to their high content of chitin, protein, and calcium carbonate. These compounds can be extracted and processed to create various products, such as the biopolymer chitosan, antioxidants like astaxanthin, and adsorbents for water treatment, aligning with a circular economy approach by converting waste into valuable by-products. Chitosan films from crustacean waste are promising active packaging materials developed over the last decade, featuring enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Extensive research confirms that crustacean shell waste is an excellent, low-cost adsorbent for removing heavy metals from water. This review analyzes current trends and opportunities for crustacean shell waste utilization in packaging materials and wastewater treatment. Key applications include replacing conventional plastic in biodegradable packaging and improving water treatment, which enhances resource efficiency and minimizes environmental pollution.