Kõrvaltoode

Kõrvaltoode refers to a secondary product that is made during the manufacturing or processing of a primary product. It is often a byproduct of a main industrial or agricultural process. These substances are not the main objective of the production but arise naturally from the core operation. The classification of something as a by-product can sometimes be fluid, as market demand or new technological applications can elevate a by-product to the status of a co-product or even a primary product in its own right.

Examples of by-products are diverse and span across many industries. In agriculture, the husks and stalks left after harvesting grains can be considered by-products. In the food industry, whey, a liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained, is a by-product of cheese and casein production. The petrochemical industry generates numerous by-products from the refining of crude oil, many of which are valuable raw materials for other chemical processes. Sawdust and wood chips are by-products of the lumber industry.

The economic significance of by-products can vary. Some by-products have little to no market value and may even incur disposal costs, requiring waste management strategies. Others, however, can be valuable commodities, contributing significantly to the overall profitability of a process or creating new industries. The efficient utilization and management of by-products are increasingly important in terms of resource conservation and environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce waste and extract maximum value from raw materials.