World Olive Tree Day - November 26th

Greetings on World Olive Tree Day!

26th November

It’s no secret that producing any product inevitably generates by-products. Today, there is significant focus on how to repurpose these by-products effectively, and innovative solutions are being actively explored.

The European Union is the world’s leading producer, consumer, and exporter of olive oil, accounting for 68% of global production and cultivating approximately 866,000 tonnes of olives annually across an estimated 4.6 million hectares of olive groves. These groves are primarily concentrated in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.

Olives are not only cherished for their culinary and health benefits but also for the hidden value in their so-called "waste." With the help of innovative projects, the European olive sector is increasingly examining and utilizing olive by-products as a foundation for creating new bio-based value chains.

In this article, we present two inspiring initiatives that are developing innovative circular solutions for olive by-products.

European Union funded joint venture CBE project recycling olive leaves - "A New Life for Olive Leaves"

Each year, Mediterranean olive oil production leaves behind a staggering 4.5 million tonnes of olive leaves, often discarded as waste. The EU-funded CBE JU project OLEAF4VALUE is transforming this overlooked by-product into a treasure trove of high-value solutions for global markets.

Olive leaves are packed with bioactive compounds, making them a rich resource for industries ranging from food and feed to cosmetics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Through innovative research, OLEAF4VALUE is developing six tailored value chains, maximizing the potential of each biomass type.

The project’s breakthroughs include:

• Antioxidants to boost immunity.

• Feed additives for healthier animals and reduced antibiotic use.

• Pharmaceutical treatments for conditions like diabetes.

• Skincare tinctures with anti-inflammatory properties.

OLEAF4VALUE’s work is setting a new standard for sustainability and innovation, turning agricultural residues into cutting-edge solutions that benefit people, animals, and the planet.

more info

Transforming Olive Oil Residues into Value for Farms and Mills

Olive oil production often leaves behind large quantities of waste, but an innovative Operational Group project in Italy’s Marche region is proving that these by-products can become valuable resources.

Sustainable Solutions for Olive Pomace

The project focuses on the Piantone di Mogliano cultivar, a local olive variety prized for its quality but yielding just 10–15% oil, leaving significant residues like olive pomace. Here's how the team is turning waste into opportunity:

• Infrared (IR) drying technology: A cutting-edge, eco-friendly method to dry pomace efficiently, producing:

  • High-value fuel: Used to heat oil mills, dairy farms, and bakery ovens.

  • Solid residues: Enriched with polyphenols and fiber, repurposed into:

    • Fertilizers for crops.

    • Nutritious cattle feed for buffaloes.

    • Ingredients for baked goods that are healthier and have a longer shelf life.

Circular Economy in Action

By integrating circular practices, this project not only supports the region’s olive biodiversity but also delivers economic, environmental, and nutritional benefits, setting a benchmark for sustainable olive oil production.

more info