Unveiling opportunities and challenges for a circular approach to macaúba biorefining: a technological roadmap

Abstract The macaúba fruit, native to tropical and subtropical regions, has received considerable attention in recent years as a promising raw material for the production of advanced biofuels in Brazil. However, the development of large‐scale biomass requires overcoming significant challenges, such as designing circular biorefineries. This study presents a technological roadmap aimed at exploring opportunities and challenges associated with the integral use of macaúba fruit and product diversification through the development of biorefineries based on circular principles. The research shows that, in the short term, product choices are relatively modest, with no clear indication of the fruit's integral use, which compromises the circularity of biorefineries. Based on technological prospecting, mainly in articles and patents, the study identified a wide range of product and application possibilities beyond energy, using different fractions of the fruit and plant, that can be developed in the medium and long term. These opportunities confirm that there are possibilities for various business models for biorefineries, ranging from small to large scales, and from commodity products to higher‐value‐added products. The choices of products, business models, level of integration along the supply chain, and target markets will be decisive in determining the economic, social, and environmental benefits to be achieved.