Folgeprodukte

Folgeprodukte is a German term used in industry and science to designate products that arise as a consequence of a manufacturing process or chemical reaction but are not the intended main product. The exact status of Folgeprodukte varies by field; in technical usage they are often described as by-products, co-products, or secondary products, depending on their economic value and regulatory treatment. They may have little or no value and require disposal, or they may be captured and sold as valuable components.

In chemical engineering and process industries, Folgeprodukte can result from incomplete conversion, side reactions, or downstream processing steps. They are distinguished from the main product and from waste streams by their potential utility and economic viability. The management of Folgeprodukte includes assessment of environmental impact, handling in accordance with waste regulations, and opportunities for recycling, upcycling, or valorisation.

Examples include molasses produced during sugar refining, glycerin generated in biodiesel production, and other secondary streams such as light hydrocarbon fractions or metal fines. The exact composition of Folgeprodukte depends on feedstock, process conditions, and separation technology.

In summary, Folgeprodukte describe secondary outputs of a process, with varying significance from valuable co-products to waste streams. Their designation emphasizes sequence and consequence rather than a fixed category, and their treatment is determined by economic potential and regulatory context.