Comprehensive use of distillers' grains derived from Chinese Baijiu: A review

Chinese Baijiu is among the six major distilled spirits in the world, with a significant output. Consequently, a large quantity of distillers' grains is produced. If these distillers' grains are not promptly treated, they cause a waste of biological resources and environmental problems. Many unused nutrients in distillers' grains can be reused to increase their economic value and minimize the risk of environmental pollution. This review summarizes the efficiency and limitations of the current technical methods of reutilizing distillers' grains concerning fertilizer, feed and energy production, and extraction of functional components. Furthermore, this study discusses the commercial viability, sustainable development goals, and industrial challenges of applying distillers' grains reutilization technology, providing valuable insights into the reutilization strategy of distillers' grains of the Chinese Baijiu. The comprehensive cycle-chain model of distillers' grains is the primary future trend of distillers' grains reuse, which is more conducive to the cleaner production of the Chinese Baijiu. [Display omitted] •Chemical nutritional composition of distillers' grains.•Extraction of functional components of distillers' grains.•Research techniques for reuse of distillers' grains.•As a prospect, a comprehensive cycle-chain mode has been designed for processing distillers' grains.