University of Cape Town study finds confectionery waste can be turned into bioenergy

# A University of Cape Town doctoral study in chemical engineering has found that confectionery waste could be converted into renewable energy. The research shows that sugar-rich food waste can be used to produce bioethanol, biobutanol, and biogas through different microbial processes. The study found that, with improved process optimisation, these waste streams can be efficiently turned into energy instead of being sent to landfill. The findings could help reduce environmental pollution, improve waste management, and support South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy system.