Overview of the environmental problems in beet sugar processing: possible solutions

Abstract Environmental problems in the traditional beet sugar processing are mainly related to the production of large amounts of pulp, the consumption of large quantities of lime (which are transformed into sludges), the production of vinasse, and the consumption of energy and water. It is proposed: – To utilize the pulp and carbonation sludge for the production of paper; – To utilize vinasse for the production of compost; – To utilize new technologies for eliminating the utilization of lime; – To apply the “ Water Pinch ” and “ Pinch Analysis ” to the new technologies for drastically reducing both the water and the energy consumption.