Co-products refer to two or more products that are generated simultaneously in a manufacturing or production process. These products arise from the same raw materials and are typically derived during the processing of a primary product. The concept emphasizes the utility and marketability of each product, questioning the traditional notion of 'main' products versus 'by-products'. co-products play a significant role in sustainable manufacturing by optimizing resource use and reducing waste.
Co-products meaning with examples
- In the production of biodiesel from vegetable oil, glycerin is produced alongside the biodiesel itself as a co-product. Glycerin has numerous applications in food and cosmetics, transforming the waste generated in biodiesel production into a valuable commodity.
- The distillation of crude oil not only yields gasoline but also generates a range of co-products like diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt. These co-products increase the overall profitability of oil refining by providing multiple revenue streams from a single input.
- During the milling of wheat, flour is the primary product, but bran and germ are produced as co-products. These co-products can be utilized in health foods, animal feed, and other nutritional supplements, making the milling process more resource-efficient.
- In the processing of sugar cane, sugar is the main product, while molasses and bagasse act as co-products. These co-products can be used in fermentation to produce ethanol or as biomass for energy production, showcasing the interconnectedness of agricultural processes.