Valorization of Fruit and Nut Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Biomaterials and Biotextiles: A Strategic Opportunity for Greece

The growing environmental impacts associated with conventional plastics and textiles have intensified interest in bio-based and circular material alternatives. This study examines the feasibility of valorizing fruit and nut agricultural residues as sustainable feedstocks for biomaterials and biotextiles, with a strategic focus on Greece. Drawing on an extensive review of international literature, regional agricultural production data, and validated processing technologies, the work evaluates residue availability, conversion routes, environmental performance, and economic potential. Methods include analysis of mechanical, chemical, and biological preprocessing techniques; polymer and fiber isolation pathways; fabrication routes for fibers, films, and composites; and comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) evidence. Results indicate that residues such as grape pomace, olive by-products, citrus peels, and nut shells are technically suitable for cellulose-, lignin-, and pectin-based materials, offering substantially lower water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and land-use intensity than conventional cotton and synthetic textiles. The analysis further highlights emerging opportunities for multifunctional textiles, improved end-of-life performance, and decentralized biofabrication models. The study concludes that Greece can position itself as a regional circular bioeconomy hub by developing integrated residue-to-biomaterial value chains, provided that coordinated policy support, research investment, standards development, and stakeholder engagement are implemented.