BYPRODUCTS OF WASTE
FLOWERS
SUBMITTED BY:
PRAKRITI DEBNATH
PhD 1st Year
Dept. Floriculture and Landscape Architecture
Date: 24/09/2024
Flower waste can be sustainably repurposed for environmental management and
resource recovery, offering multiple applications. It can be composted with materials like cow
dung and sawdust to produce nutrient-rich compost with an improved carbon-to-nitrogen
ratio, enhancing soil quality (Sharma et al., 2017), or transformed into innovative fertilizers
combining organic components for better plant health and soil properties. Additionally,
flower waste from temples is a source for natural dye extraction, with the residual material
being suitable for nutrient-rich vermicomposting (Singh et al., 2017). It also shows promise
as a low-cost adsorbent for removing pollutants like Acid Blue 9 from wastewater. However,
challenges remain in scaling these processes and ensuring consistent byproduct quality.
CARNATION
The waste flowers of carnations, particularly during their senescence, can be
transformed into valuable byproducts through various processes. These byproducts not only
contribute to waste management but also enhance environmental sustainability.
Composting Potential
• Carnation waste can be effectively composted, yielding stabilized compost rich in
nutrients. A study demonstrated that mixing flower waste with cow dung and sawdust
resulted in optimal compost characteristics, such as a pH of 7.23 and a C:N ratio of 14,
promoting microbial activity and organic matter degradation (Sharma et al., 2017).
Natural Dye Extraction
• The residual flowers from carnation waste can also be utilized for natural dye
extraction. Techniques such as ultra-sonication have been employed to recover dyes,
which can then be used on various fabrics. The leftover residue post-extraction is
nutrient-rich, suitable for vermicomposting or biochar production, thus creating a
closed-loop system for waste management (Singh et al., 2017).
Nutritional and Chemical Breakdown
• During senescence, carnation petals undergo significant biochemical changes,
including the breakdown of phospholipids, which can be harnessed for further
applications in biochemistry and agriculture.
ORCHIDS
The byproducts of waste flowers from orchids can be effectively utilized in various
sustainable applications, contributing to environmental management and economic benefits.
Research highlights several innovative uses for these floral wastes, which can transform them
from mere waste into valuable resources.
Composting and Nutrient Recovery
• Orchid waste can be composted with materials like cow dung and sawdust, resulting in
stabilized compost rich in nutrients. This process enhances microbial activity and
accelerates organic matter degradation (Sharma et al., 2017).
• The optimal mixture of flower waste can yield compost with beneficial properties, such
as a balanced pH and high organic carbon content, making it suitable for agricultural
use (Sharma et al., 2017).
Natural Dye Extraction
• Residual orchid flowers can be processed to extract natural dyes, which are then used
for dyeing fabrics. The leftover material post-extraction is nutrient-rich and can be
repurposed for vermicomposting or biochar production, promoting a closed-loop waste
management system (Singh et al., 2017).
Cosmetic Applications
• Extracts from orchids, particularly when fermented with mushroom mycelium, have
been shown to improve skin functions, such as suppressing melanogenesis and
promoting collagen synthesis. This highlights the potential of orchid waste in the
cosmetic industry.
PERIWINKLE
The waste flowers of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) can be transformed into
valuable byproducts through various processes, contributing to environmental sustainability
and economic benefits. The following points highlight the potential uses of periwinkle flower
waste:
Composting Potential
• Periwinkle flower waste can be effectively composted, enhancing nutrient value and
reducing landfill impact. A study demonstrated that mixing flower waste with cow dung
and sawdust resulted in stabilized compost with beneficial properties, such as a
balanced pH and high organic carbon content (Sharma et al., 2017).
Extraction of Natural Dyes
• The residual flowers can be utilized for natural dye extraction. Techniques such as ultra-
sonication have been employed to recover dyes, which can then be used on various
fabrics. The leftover material post-extraction is nutrient-rich, suitable for
vermicomposting or biochar production, thus promoting a closed-loop waste
management system (Singh et al., 2017).
Secondary Metabolite Production
• Periwinkle flowers are also a source of valuable secondary metabolites, including
alkaloids. Research indicates that tissue cultures can yield significant amounts of these
compounds, which have medicinal properties, particularly in cancer treatment.
CLITORIA
The waste byproducts of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) can be utilized in various
innovative applications, contributing to sustainability and resource efficiency. The following
points highlight the potential uses of these byproducts:
Utilization in Food Packaging
• Butterfly pea flower anthocyanins can be extracted and incorporated into
biodegradable films, which serve as pH indicators for monitoring food freshness. This
application not only utilizes the flower but also repurposes biowaste like eggshells in
the film's production.
Cosmetic and Soap Production
• The waste from butterfly pea flowers can be used to enhance the quality of transparent
soaps made from whey waste. The flower extract adds color and potential health
benefits, showcasing a dual-purpose use of agricultural byproducts
• Forage and Soil Improvement
• The plant itself, including its byproducts, serves as a nutritious forage legume,
improving soil quality and providing livestock feed. This reduces the need for
synthetic fertilizers and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Hydrangea
The byproducts of hydrangea plants, particularly from species like Hydrangea
macrophylla and Hydrangea paniculata, include various bioactive compounds with potential
health benefits. These compounds are primarily derived from the leaves, stems, and roots of
the plants.
Hydrangeic Acid
• Hydrangeic acid, extracted from Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergii, has shown
anti-diabetic properties. It promotes adipogenesis and enhances glucose uptake in cells,
significantly lowering blood glucose and triglyceride levels in animal studies (Zhang et
al., 2009).
Chemical Constituents
• Research on Hydrangea paniculata has identified several chemical constituents,
including skimmin and scopolin, which may possess bioactive properties (Shi et al.,
2010).
• Similarly, Hydrangea chinensis has yielded quinazolone alkaloids and coumarin
derivatives, indicating a rich source of phytochemicals with potential therapeutic
applications
REFERENCES
Sharma., V., Sudharsan, V., Kunwar, D., Yadav., Ajay, S., Kalamdhad. (2017). Evolution of
chemical and biological characterization during agitated pile composting of flower
waste. Int J Recycl Org Waste Agri., 6:89–9
Singh, P., Pardeep, S., Anwesha, B., Rishikesh, S., Dan, B., Pal., P., Dhanesh, T., Pradeep,K.
M. (2017). Utilization of temple floral waste for extraction of valuable products: A close
loop approach towards environmental sustainability and waste management. pp 556
Andrew, N., Josep, N., Casacuberta., A., De, S., Achim, G., Mikołaj, A., Philippe, G., Huw, J.,
Barbara, M., Antoine, M., Hanspeter, N., Elsa, E. N., Fabien, N., Christophe, R., Nils,
R., Jeremy, S., Christoph, T., Francesco, V., Jean-Michel, Wal. (2015). Suntory
Holdings Limited for the import, distribution and retailing of carnation SHD-27531-4
cut flowers with modified petal colour for ornamental use. EFSA J. 13(12):4358
Dayanand, S., V., Sudharsan, Varma., Kunwar, D., Yadav., Ajay, S., K., (2017). Evolution of
chemical and biological characterization during agitated pile composting of flower
waste. Int J Recycl Org Waste Agri. 6:89–98
Shi., J. Y., Chuang-Jun, Li., Dong-Ming, Z. (2010). Chemical constituents from Hydrangea
paniculata. China journal of Chinese materia medica.
Zhang., H. M., Chihiro, Y., Seikou, N., Masayuki, Y. (2009). Hydrangeic acid from the
processed leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergii as a new type of anti-
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