subproduto

Subproduto, or byproduct, is a secondary product generated during manufacturing, extraction, or processing that is not the primary aim of the operation but may carry value or utility. Byproducts arise from the chemistry of reactions, the composition of raw materials, or separation steps, and their quality and quantity depend on process conditions.

A coproduct refers to a product of similar value obtained in the same process; a byproduct is typically of lower value and not the main objective. Whether a material is treated as a byproduct or waste varies by jurisdiction and intended use.

Common examples include glycerin obtained during biodiesel production, which can be sold as a chemical feedstock; bones, collagen, and offal from meat processing used for gelatins, feeds, or fertilizers; lignin-rich black liquor from pulping; and slag from steelmaking. In some industries, byproducts are deliberately valorized to recover energy or materials.

Regulatory and economic aspects: Byproduct management aims to maximize recovery and minimize waste, often improving overall process efficiency. In many regions, byproducts that can be used directly without further processing may receive a different regulatory treatment from waste, with revenue from byproduct sales contributing to unit economics. The status of a material as a byproduct depends on regulatory criteria and its proven usability for a given purpose.