Valorisation of Kiwifruit Residues and their Application in an Anti-ageing Facial Cream

Abstract

Portugal has a significant production of kiwifruit, from which around 73.8 tons of leaves and branches are generated every year. The composition of these residues shows interesting properties that could be incorporated into a value-added product. In order to create a new product, the steps proposed by the Chemical Product Design procedure were followed: identifying the needs, brainstorming ideas, selecting the best idea, proposing a manufacturing process. The chosen idea was an anti-ageing facial cream since the kiwifruit leaves and branches present interesting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-pigmentation effects. In order to obtain this product, a manufacturing plan was designed, and an economic analysis was performed. The proposed circular economy business was found to be profitable and environmentally friendly. This work also includes further innovative steps of the facial cream, such as pigmentation.