By-product

Secondary product derived from a manufacturing process

For other uses, see Byproduct (disambiguation).

A by-product is a secondary product derived from a manufacturing process or chemical reaction. It is not the primary product or service being produced but can have significant economic value. By-products can be useful and marketable, or they can be waste products that require disposal.

Types of By-products

By-products can be classified into several types based on their origin and use:

• Industrial by-products: These are secondary products generated during industrial processes. Examples include slag from steel manufacturing, sawdust from wood processing, and gypsum from flue-gas desulfurization in power plants.
• Agricultural by-products: These are secondary products from agricultural activities. Examples include straw, manure, and molasses from sugarcane processing.
• Biological by-products: These are secondary products from biological processes. Examples include biogas from anaerobic digestion and ethanol from fermentation.

Economic Importance

By-products can have significant economic importance. They can be sold as raw materials for other industries, reducing waste and increasing profitability. For example, molasses from sugar production can be used in the production of ethanol, and sawdust can be used to produce particle board.

Environmental Impact

The management of by-products is crucial for minimizing environmental impact. Proper utilization and recycling of by-products can reduce waste and pollution. For instance, using fly ash from coal combustion in cement production can reduce the need for landfill space and decrease the environmental footprint of cement manufacturing.

Examples of By-products

• Glycerol from biodiesel production
• Animal feed from food processing waste
• Methane from landfill gas

Related Concepts

• Waste management
• Recycling
• Sustainability
• Circular economy

See Also

• Main product
• Co-product
• Waste product
• Industrial ecology