Kõrvalsaaduseks

Kõrvalsaaduseks is an Estonian term that translates to "by-product" in English. It refers to a secondary product or material that is generated incidentally during the production of a primary product. This often occurs in industrial processes, manufacturing, and even in natural biological systems.

By-products can be valuable, neutral, or even waste, depending on their nature and the context of their generation. If a by-product has economic value, it can be sold or used in other applications, thereby contributing to the overall profitability of the primary production process. For instance, in the food industry, by-products from meat processing, such as bones or fat, might be used for animal feed or rendered into industrial fats. In agriculture, straw left after harvesting grain is a by-product that can be used for animal bedding, biofuel, or as a component in compost.

However, not all by-products are beneficial. Some may be environmentally hazardous and require special treatment or disposal, adding to the cost and complexity of the production. The management of by-products is an important aspect of industrial ecology and sustainable manufacturing, aiming to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. Identifying and valorizing by-products can lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly production cycles. The term "kõrvalsaaduseks" encompasses this broad spectrum of secondary outputs from a primary process.