The use of fossil resources in conjunction with advancing technological progress leads to an increased release of CO2, which contributes to climate change. Furthermore, fossil resources are finite. On the other hand, the use of biomass instead of fossil resources can have a positive effect on the climate, since only plant-bound carbon is released into the atmosphere during the utilization steps. In addition to the possibility of cultivating renewable raw materials, there are also numerous waste streams worldwide, such as agricultural residues, that potentially can be used to manufacture valuable products. These products aim is to replace the fossil-based components by bio-based components. They should therefore be at least efficient or, in the best-case scenario, have better properties than the conventional products. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a platform chemical can be a precursor for the production of bio-based plastics. This platform chemical can be obtained from carbohydrates. The substitution of fossil-based products by bio-based products is best described as “circular bioeconomy”, which represents an important step in the development of a more sustainable economy, both in the future and today. Chicory roots represent an agricultural residue in lettuce production. Using the them as an example, this work shows that valuable products can be obtained from a waste material via various routes. By means of additionally implemented unit operations, the potential of a residual material can be used sufficiently. Finally, it is not necessary to intervene in the food production chain, which is obligatory to avoid the conflict between fuel tank and plate.weiterlesen